Pope Benedict XVI delivered his final Sunday Angelus address before a packed St. Peter’s Square. The pilgrims in attendance interrupted his address with applause more than once and he closed by stressing that his resignation is not an abandoning of the Church. After reflecting on the Gospel of Luke’s account …

By Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service  WASHINGTON (CNS) — During Pope Benedict XVI‘s visit to the White House in 2008, his thoughts turned to the First Amendment and its enshrinement of the free practice of religion. He told President George W. Bush that the idea of religious freedom as expressed …

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service  VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI has ordered several changes to the Masses and liturgies that will mark the inauguration of the next pope’s pontificate. Rites and gestures that are not strictly sacramental will take place either before a Mass or in a …

  By John Stegeman The Catholic Telegraph ROME, Italy — Like other major world events, many will remember exactly where they were when they heard that Pope Benedict XVI was going to resign. Most in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati were likely checking the morning news online, or on television but …

By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — At his first public appearance since he announced that he would resign at the end of February, Pope Benedict XVI thanked the faithful for their love and prayers and asked them to pray for his successor. “I have felt, …

By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service  VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI’s decision to resign the papacy was a “surprise, like thunder that gives no notice that it’s coming,” said one of the cardinals who was in the room when the pope announced his decision Feb. 11. “We …

In April of 2005 when Blessed John Paul II passed from this world, it was a totally new experience for me.  I was less than one year ordained to the priesthood, but yet I had never known another name to be prayed during his spot in the Eucharistic Prayer.  (I …

In response to Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation announcement Monday, I give my take on the Paul Harvey classic speech “So God made a farmer” as used in the Ram Truck Super Bowl commercial.   So God made a Pope And some time considerably after the 8th day, God looked down on …

By Catholic News Service  VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Curious who will choose the next pope? Here is a list of cardinal-electors, from oldest to youngest, eligible to vote for a pope in a conclave. Cardinal Walter Kasper turns 80 March 5; depending on the date of the conclave, he might …

Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation Monday before a consistory of Cardinals. His speech was read in Latin. The full text in English is provided below the video. The full text of the speech was posted on the Vatican’s website. Dear Brothers, I have convoked you to this Consistory, not only …