Benedict XVI Latest News

Read the latest news regarding the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, his life, and his legacy.

The Latest

Benedict XVI celebrates his 90th birthday at the Vatican, April 17, 2017.

Benedict XVI creates foundation for Catholic journalism in Germany

Dec 20, 2019

In what came as a surprise to many members of the Catholic elite in Germany, Pope emeritus Benedict XVI has... Read more

Director Fernando Meirelles talks with Jonathan Pryce during the filming of "The Two Popes."

Does 'The Two Popes' fairly represent Francis and Benedict? Critics say ‘no’ 

Dec 18, 2019

By Hannah Brockhaus

While filmmakers say the "The Two Popes" is a work of fiction, the movie’s director also says it represents his... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI on Aug. 28, 2010.

Benedict XVI reflects on 50 years of the International Theological Commission

Nov 30, 2019

By Courtney Mares

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI sent a message to the International Theological Commission this week reflecting on the theological contributions of... Read more

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on April 7, 2012.

Ahead of synod, alumni of Benedict XVI express concerns about married priesthood

Sep 28, 2019

Just days before the Amazon synod of bishops is to convene in Rome, a symposium of students of Pope Emeritus... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI.

Benedict XVI responds to criticism of his essay on the Church and the sexual abuse crisis

Aug 27, 2019

Pope emeritus Benedict XVI has responded to criticism of his essay on the abuse crisis, saying many negative reactions have... Read more

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI met Aug 1 with Msgr Livio Melina of the JPII Institute.

Amid JPII Institute controversy, Benedict XVI meets with recently dismissed professor

Aug 5, 2019

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI met last week with a recently dismissed professor of moral theology at Rome’s Pontifical John Paul... Read more

Archive photo of Benedict XVI in the papal gardens at Castel Gandolfo.

Benedict XVI pays a surprise visit to Castel Gandolfo

Jul 26, 2019

By Courtney Mares

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI left Vatican City Thursday to make a surprise visit to Castel Gandolfo.  Read more

Pope Francis greets Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI Dec. 21, 2018.

Benedict XVI: The Church’s unity is stronger than internal conflicts

Jun 28, 2019

By Courtney Mares

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has said that the unity of the Church has always prevailed over internal struggles and affirmed... Read more

Benedict XVI at the Easter Vigil, Saturday April 7, 2012.

Vatican quashes rumors of Benedict XVI stroke

Jun 18, 2019

Pope Benedict XVI is not dead and did not recently suffer a stroke, the Vatican confirmed on Tuesday.  Read more

Pope Francis aboard the papal plane returning from Romania June 2, 2019.

Pope Francis says he draws strength from relationship with Benedict XVI

Jun 2, 2019

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis said Sunday that his relationship with Benedict XVI gives him strength and reminds him of the living tradition... Read more

Cardinal Gerhard Müller, prefect emeritus of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

To renew the Church we must be guided by her faith, morals – Cardinal Müller

Apr 26, 2019

Countering critics of Benedict XVI's recent essay on the scandal of sex abuse in the Church, Cardinal Gerhard Müller on... Read more

Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on June 28, 2017.

Analysis: How Benedict's essay supports Francis' call for 'zero tolerance'

Apr 11, 2019

By Ed Condon

At the heart of his new essay, Benedict XVI insists that the purpose of punishing the perpetrators of sexual abuse... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI on Aug. 28, 2010.

Full text of Benedict XVI essay: 'The Church and the scandal of sexual abuse'

Apr 10, 2019

A new essay from Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI explores the nature of the Church's current sexual abuse crisis. Here is... Read more

Pope emeritus Benedict XVI.

In new essay, Benedict XVI addresses sex abuse scandal

Apr 10, 2019

In an essay published Thursday at CNA, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI offered his thoughts about the sex abuse crisis facing... Read more

Pope Francis at the general audience May 23, 2018.

Pope Francis: Include the Holy Spirit in art, theology

Nov 17, 2018

By Hannah Brockhaus

In the face of the difficulties of the modern-age, artists and theologians need the inspiration of the Holy Spirit –... Read more

Vatican City - August 28, 2010: Pope Benedict XVI.

Benedict XVI defends resignation and title ‘pope emeritus’ in private letters

Sep 20, 2018

By Hannah Brockhaus

The private correspondence, excerpts from which were carried in a German newspaper, was reportedly addressed to Cardinal Walter Brandmüller.  Read more

Archbishop Carlo Vigano.

Benedict, Viganò, Francis, and McCarrick: Where things stand on nuncio’s allegations

Sep 3, 2018

By JD Flynn

On its face, the arc of Archbishop Viganò’s story is straightforward.  Read more

Archbishop Georg Gänswein.

Gänswein: Benedict did not 'confirm' Vigano testimony

Aug 28, 2018

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s personal secretary said Tuesday that the former pope has not commented on a testimony released Saturday... Read more

Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

Analysis: Why Francis might follow Benedict’s lead on Chilean abuse scandal

May 15, 2018

By Elise Harris

This week 34 Chilean bishops are meeting with Pope Francis to discuss the country’s clerical sexual abuse scandal, which involves... Read more

Analysis: Benedict XVI’s unpublished letter- God is key to understanding human rights

May 14, 2018

By Andrea Gagliarducci

The Ratiznger Schuelerkreis, a circle of former students of Joseph Ratzinger who meet annually, will gather this year to discuss... Read more