Posts Tagged
Pope Benedict XVI resigns
How Benedict XVI’s resignation changed the papacy

by Andrea Gagliarducci Vatican City, May 30, 2016 / 05:32 am When Pope emeritus Benedict XVI resigned as pontiff three years ago, he added a new dimension to the papacy, said his personal secretary Archbishop Georg Ganswein. Archbishop Ganswein remains prefect of the Pontifical Household. He works closely with both …
Documentary says Benedict XVI’s secretary tried to convince him not to resign

by Diego Lopez Marina Vatican City, Apr 9, 2021 / 15:29 pm America/Denver (CNA). A documentary being released on Benedict XVI’s 94th birthday state that his personal secretary, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, tried to dissuade him from abdicating the papacy. “Benedict XVI, the Pope Emeritus”, directed by Andrés Garrigó, will be …
Looking Back 8 years ago: Citing health reasons, Pope Benedict XVI announces he will resign

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Saying he no longer has the strength to exercise ministry over the universal church, Pope Benedict XVI announced Feb. 11 that he would be resigning at the end of the month. “After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I …
Two years into retirement, the legacy of Father Benedict endures

By Ann Schneible CNA/EWTN News Two years to the day since Pope Benedict XVI told the world of his historic decision to step down from the papal office, those impacted by his pontificate say that his legacy is still burning bright. “Pope Benedict’s legacy is really very massive,” said Archbishop …
Update: Vatican denies Spanish media report of Pope Emeritus’ failing health

Staff Report UPDATE: The Vatican denied Wednesday that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI sufferers from any serious illness other than the problems associated with old age. A Newsmax report claims that Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi denied reports in a Spanish newspaper that the former pope was facing any specific illness. …
Cardinals summoned to Rome as Pope Emeritus begins new life
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — After Pope Benedict XVI officially became pope emeritus, he ate dinner, watched the television news and strolled through the lake-view rooms of the papal villa at Castel Gandolfo. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, said he spoke March 1 with …
Twitter account @Pontifex has tweets deleted, Benedict XVI’s coat of arms taken off Vatican website
By John Stegeman The Catholic Telegraph When the papacy of His Holiness Benedict XVI, Pope Emeritus, ended at 8 p.m. Rome time Thursday, immediate changes took place in the digital realm. When the doors were closed at Castel Gandolfo, the 39 tweets sent out by Benedict XVI as @Pontifex were …
Sede Vacante: The seat is vacant

UPDATE: For more up to date information, visit Conclave Central. Effective Thursday at 2 p.m. Eastern, 8 p.m. in Rome, the papacy of Benedict XVI came to an end. With that, the Catholic Church entered a period of sede vacante. Sede vacante is Latin for “the seat being empty” …
Father Ruiz gives his perspective on Pope Benedict XVI’s final General Audience [Video]
Father Ryan Ruiz, a priest from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati studying in Rome, attended Pope Benedict XVI’s final General Audience on Wednesday. With the unique perspective of having been present for the historic event, Father Ruiz took the time to share his experiences with the folks back home in Cincinnati …
Last day on the job: Pope Benedict pledges obedience to next pontiff

By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — The Clementine Hall is traditionally the place where cardinals bid farewell to popes at the end of a pontificate, but usually when the pope in question is lying in state before his funeral. But on Feb. 28, hours before resigning …