Benedict XVI Latest News

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

The Latest

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Analysis: Benedict XVI’s unpublished letter- God is key to understanding human rights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

Pope Benedict XVI, May 11, 2010.

Benedict XVI celebrates 91st birthday with his brother

Apr 16, 2018

Benedict XVI turned 91 on Monday, celebrating “with his brother Georg in a calm and familiar climate,” according to a... Read more

St. Peter's Basilica.

Analysis: Benedict XVI’s letter - what the reaction revealed

Mar 21, 2018

By Andrea Gagliarducci

The story of Benedict XVI’s letter and the communication issues it raised, dubbed “Lettergate,” has led to the resignation of... Read more

Msgr Dario Vigano, prefect of the Secretariat for Communications, speaks with CNA March 15, 2018.

Benedict’s praise for Francis booklets came with previously unmentioned caveats, letter shows

Mar 17, 2018

By Hannah Brockhaus

Amid accusations of concealment, the Vatican's communications department has released the entirety of a letter written by Benedict XVI, revealing... Read more

Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square, March 14, 2018.

The theological formation of Pope Francis

Mar 17, 2018

By Elise Harris

A recent letter from Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has become the subject of controversy, after a Vatican office admitted to... Read more

Monsignor Dario Viganò, Prefect, Vatican Secretariat for Communications.

Vatican office altered photo of Benedict's comments on Francis

Mar 14, 2018

A Vatican office has acknowledged blurring portions of a letter written by Benedict XVI regarding Pope Francis' philosophical and theological... Read more

Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

Updated: Benedict XVI says there is 'inner continuity' between himself, Pope Francis

Mar 12, 2018

By Hannah Brockhaus

In a personal letter reportedly sent to the head of the Secretariat for Communications, Benedict XVI said that he sees... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI.

Vatican denies rumors that Benedict XVI has degenerative nerve disorder

Feb 15, 2018

After rumors spread in German media that Benedict XVI has a paralyzing nerve disease, the Vatican debunked the story, saying... Read more

Benedict XVI holds his final general audience, Feb. 27, 2013.

In rare letter, Benedict XVI says he's 'on pilgrimage home'

Feb 7, 2018

By Elise Harris

In a rare new letter penned by Benedict XVI, the retired pontiff said he is in the last phase of... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI on Aug. 28, 2010.

Benedict XVI's secretary denies rumors that he is close to death

Oct 17, 2017

Archbishop Georg Ganswein, the personal secretary of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, has rejected reports that the former pontiff is nearing... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI on Aug. 28, 2010.

Ratzinger Foundation unveils new prize, announces American winners

Sep 26, 2017

By Hannah Brockhaus

The Vatican’s Joseph Ratzinger Foundation unveiled a new prize called “Expanding Reason,” aimed at promoting dialogue between the sciences and... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI on Aug. 28, 2010.

Here's what Benedict XVI's former students will discuss next month

Aug 30, 2017

By Andrea Gagliarducci

The persecution and martyrdom of Christians will be the topic of discussion at an annual gathering of Pope Benedict XVI’s... Read more

Benedict XVI.

Benedict XVI: Cardinal Meisner died a 'cheerful' man

Jul 16, 2017

By Elise Harris

In a letter sent for the funeral of the late Cardinal Joachim Meisner, retired Pope Benedict XVI praised the prelate... Read more

A Mass said for the Summorum Pontificum pilgrimage in Rome held Oct. 25, 2014.

Looking forward to 10 years of Summorum Pontificum

Jun 1, 2017

By Elise Harris

Ten years after Benedict XVI broadened access to the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass, the document by which he... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI at the Wednesday general audience Oct. 24, 2012 in St. Peter's Square.

The Green Pope isn't who you think it is.

May 3, 2017

By Mary Farrow

There once was a Pope called “The Green Pope.”  Read more

Pope Benedict XVI.

As Benedict turns 90, a rare glimpse into his joy-filled life

Apr 16, 2017

By Elise Harris

In a lengthy interview with EWTN's German television branch, Benedict XVI's closest aide describes how the retired pontiff is doing... Read more

Pope Francis with Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at the Monastery of Mater Ecclesiae in Vatican City on June 30, 2015.

Why did Pope Francis visit Benedict XVI? To say happy birthday!

Apr 13, 2017

Early Easter greetings and birthday wishes were the reason for Pope Francis’ visit with Pope emeritus Benedict XVI on Wednesday.  Read more

Benedict XVI holds his final general audience, Feb. 27, 2013.

Benedict XVI tells EWTN: 'Thank you for your work'

Mar 31, 2017

By Elise Harris

Members of EWTN’s Rome Bureau on Friday met Benedict XVI in the Vatican Gardens to explain their work and thank... Read more