Benedict XVI Latest News

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

The Latest

The Frauenkirche, the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising.

Benedict XVI, Munich, and cover-up claims: why an old allegation is resurfacing

Jan 6, 2022

By Andrea Gagliarducci

The Vatican firmly rejected the assertions in 2010. Read more

Bishop Rudolf Voderholzer, Pope emeritus Benedict XVI, and Archbishop Georg Gänswein with the nativity scene on Dec. 8, 2021.

Benedict XVI receives nativity scene from homeland of Bavaria

Dec 9, 2021

By CNA Staff

A Christmas crib was also presented to Pope Francis. Read more

Archbishop Georg Gänswein in St. Peter’s Square on Sept. 25, 2019.

Archbishop Gänswein: Benedict XVI had three COVID-19 vaccine doses ‘out of conviction’

Dec 3, 2021

By CNA Staff

He said: ‘One must not force anyone to vaccinate ... But one should appeal to the conscience.’ Read more

Benedict XVI meets with recipients of the Ratzinger Prize on Nov. 13, 2021.

Benedict XVI meets with recipients of the Ratzinger Prize

Nov 13, 2021

By Courtney Mares

The meeting lasted one hour and allowed each of the academics to discuss their work with the pope emeritus. Read more

Pope emeritus Benedict XVI, pictured in 2010.

Benedict XVI marks 10th anniversary of Orthodox leader’s death

Nov 8, 2021

By CNA Staff

Metropolitan Damaskinos wrote numerous works on ecumenism. Read more

Archbishop Gänswein and Pope emeritus Benedict XVI.

Benedict XVI is ‘full of zest for life,’ says Archbishop Gänswein

Oct 21, 2021

By CNA Staff

The archbishop said the 94-year-old is ‘stable in his physical weakness.’ Read more

Benedict XVI.

‘I hope that I can join them soon’: Benedict XVI sends condolence message after friend’s death

Oct 19, 2021

By CNA Staff

He said that the death of Fr. Gerhard Winkler touched him deeply. Read more

Pope Benedict XVI on Aug. 28, 2010.

Benedict XVI: Legalization of same-sex marriage is ‘a distortion of conscience’

Sep 16, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

He made the remark in an introduction to a new anthology of his writings, which has a preface by Pope... Read more

Pope Francis at the general audience on Aug. 18, 2021.

Analysis: What's behind rumors that Pope Francis will resign?

Aug 30, 2021

By Andrea Gagliarducci

According to an Argentine priest who has known Pope Francis since his days in Buenos Aires, "there is only one... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI on Aug. 28, 2010.

Benedict XVI laments lack of faith within Church institutions in Germany

Jul 26, 2021

By CNA Staff

The pope emeritus spoke about faith, worldliness, and the institutional Church. Read more

Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI greet each other at the 65th priestly ordination of Pope Emeritus XVI at the Clementine Hall.

Benedict XVI praying ‘fervently’ for Pope Francis’ recovery from surgery

Jul 6, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis is recuperating at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. Read more

Pope Francis greets Benedict XVI at the Vatican’s Mater Ecclesiae Monastery on Nov. 28, 2020. Credit: Vatican Media.

Pope Francis thanks Benedict XVI on his 70th ordination anniversary

Jun 29, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis called the pope emeritus “the contemplative of the Vatican.” Read more

Archbishop Georg Gänswein at the exposition in Rome.

Exhibit commemorating Benedict XVI’s 70 years as a priest opens in Rome

Jun 28, 2021

By ACI Prensa

Benedict XVI's personal secretary, Archbishop Georg Ganswein, inaugurated an exhibition in Rome to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Joseph Ratzinger’s... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI on Aug. 28, 2010.

Benedict XVI to minor seminary: What has withered in Germany still blossoms in Poland

May 20, 2021

The 94-year-old pope emeritus was writing to the minor seminary in Częstochowa. Read more

Vatican City - February 27, 2013: Pope Benedict XVI stands to show his thanks after a standing ovation from the audience. @ Stephen Driscoll / CNA

Documentary says Benedict XVI’s secretary tried to convince him not to resign

Apr 9, 2021

By Diego Lopez Marina

A documentary being released on Benedict XVI’s 94th birthday state that his personal secretary, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, tried to dissuade... Read more

Pope Francis greets Pope emeritus Benedict XVI at the Vatican’s Mater Ecclesiae Monastery on Nov. 28, 2020. Credit: Vatican Media.

Benedict XVI ‘delighted’ by Year of St. Joseph proclaimed by Pope Francis

Mar 31, 2021

In a new interview, Pope emeritus Benedict XVI has expressed delight at the Year of St. Joseph declared by Pope... Read more

Pope Francis greets Pope emeritus Benedict XVI at the Vatican’s Mater Ecclesiae Monastery on Nov. 28, 2020. Credit: Vatican Media.

Benedict XVI addresses resignation conspiracy theories, Iraq, and Biden in new interview

Mar 1, 2021

By CNA Staff

Benedict XVI addressed conspiracy theories about his resignation as pope, Pope Francis’ trip to Iraq, and Joe Biden in an... Read more

Pope Francis greets Pope emeritus Benedict XVI at the Vatican’s Mater Ecclesiae Monastery on Nov. 28, 2020. Credit: Vatican Media.

Pope Francis and Benedict XVI receive second dose of COVID-19 vaccine

Feb 5, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis and Pope emeritus Benedict XVI have both received their second and final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, a... Read more

Pope Francis greets Pope emeritus Benedict XVI at the Vatican’s Mater Ecclesiae Monastery on Nov. 28, 2020. Credit: Vatican Media.

Pope Francis and Benedict XVI receive first dose of COVID-19 vaccine

Jan 14, 2021

Pope Francis and Pope emeritus Benedict XVI have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, the Vatican confirmed on... Read more

Cardinal Gerhard Müller at a penance service in St. Peter's Basilica on March 29, 2019. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA.

Cardinal Müller: Media image of ‘two popes’ threatens papacy as a ‘principle of unity’

Jan 12, 2021

By Courtney Mares

The former head of the Vatican’s doctrinal office has said that today’s media environment is undermining theological truths that are... Read more