Pope Resignation

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Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Square, April 18, 2012.

Conclave may take place earlier than expected

Feb 16, 2013

The Vatican's spokesman announced today that the coming conclave to elect Pope Benedict XVI's successor might be convened in shorter... Read more

Paulist Father Francesco Cupello speaks to CNA in St. Peter's Square after Pope Benedict XVI's meeting with the priests of Rome in Paul VI Hall on Feb 14, 2013.

Rome priests react with sadness to Pope's resignation

Feb 15, 2013

After meeting with Pope Benedict on Thursday, priests from the Rome diocese said they are sad he is retiring and... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI reacts to applause during Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Peter's Basilica Feb. 13, 2013.

Engaging modern society central to Benedict's papacy

Feb 15, 2013

Pope Benedict has used his pontificate to advance the new evangelization and to speak to the modern world, said the... Read more

CNA

Bishops of Nicaragua announce 40 hours of prayer for Pope

Feb 14, 2013

The bishops of Nicaragua are inviting Catholics in the country and around the world to join together in 40 hours... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI discusses Vatican II with priests from the Rome diocese on Feb. 14, 2013.

Pope: media helped spread misinterpretations of Vatican II

Feb 14, 2013

By CNA Staff

Pope Benedict XVI said that many of the misinterpretations of the Second Vatican Council were caused by the media promoting... Read more

CNA

New Pope will be the one God wants, Spanish bishop says

Feb 14, 2013

The secretary general of the Spanish Bishops’ Conference defended Pope Benedict XVI’s decision to resign and said that the Holy... Read more

Archbishop Georg Ga?nswein stands behind Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Square.

Archbishop Ganswein plans to remain prefect of Papal Household

Feb 14, 2013

Archbishop Georg Ganswein will move with Pope Benedict XVI when he retires on Feb. 28, but he also intends to... Read more

A view of Mater Ecclesiae monastery, the place where Pope Benedict XVI will retire to a life of prayer.

Nun describes simplicity of Pope's retirement monastery

Feb 14, 2013

One of the nuns that lived in the monastery where the Pope will retire says his choice shows his “great... Read more

CNA

Benedictine abbot sees good reasons for moving Pope's Mass

Feb 13, 2013

Given the number of people that inevitably swarmed to the Holy Father’s last public Mass, Benedictine Abbot Nokter Wolf understands... Read more

St. Peter's Square.

Conclave to determine new Pope could be held mid-March

Feb 13, 2013

The conclave to elect the next Bishop of Rome could start between March 15 and 19, according to the director... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI distributes ashes during Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Peter's Basilica on Feb. 13, 2013.

During last Mass, Pope Benedict urges return to God

Feb 13, 2013

Pope Benedict XVI encouraged people across the globe to wholeheartedly return to God during his last Mass today as pontiff... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI gives his Wednesday General Audience Nov. 21, 2012 in Paul VI Hall.

Pope urges conversion in face of modern temptations

Feb 13, 2013

After thanking everyone for their love and prayers since he announced his resignation, Pope Benedict XVI reflected on how modern... Read more

Father Federico Lombardi addresses the press on Feb. 11, 2013 about Pope Benedict XVI's resignation.

Vatican releases schedule for Pope's final days

Feb 13, 2013

The last days of Pope Benedict XVI will include three public appearances, a meeting with the priests of Rome, Lenten... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI greets pilgrims during the Nov. 14, 2012 general audience in Paul VI Hall.

Pope: I can 'almost physically' feel prayers and love

Feb 13, 2013

Two days after saying he will resign, Pope Benedict XVI said that he has been able to feel, “almost physically,”... Read more

Knights of Columbus encourage prayers for next Pope

Feb 13, 2013

A new prayer from the Knights of Columbus thanks Jesus for the ministry of Pope Benedict XVI and intercedes for... Read more

Greg Burke, Holy See's secretary of state media advisor.

Pope decided to resign after Cuba trip, Vatican advisor says

Feb 13, 2013

Pope Benedict XVI’s decision to step down from his office was made soon after his trip to Mexico and Cuba... Read more

Paul Badde of Die Welt in Rome on Feb. 12, 2013.

Vatican expert thinks Pope timed resignation for Easter

Feb 12, 2013

Pope Benedict's resignation during Lent is no coincidence according to a Vatican expert who thinks the timing was tied to... Read more

CNA

Bishops of Latin America united in prayer for Pope Benedict

Feb 12, 2013

The bishops of Latin America have voiced admiration for Pope Benedict XVI, calling his decision to resign from the papacy... Read more

Paul Badde of Die Welt speaks to CNA in Rome on Feb. 12, 2013.

German atheists suddenly respect Pope, says journalist

Feb 12, 2013

A German journalist and acquaintance of Pope Benedict XVI says atheists in their native country are more respectful of him... Read more

Pilgrims from Brazil celebrate after the announcement of WYD2013 in Rio de Janeiro.

New Pope will attend World Youth Day, Rio archbishop confirms

Feb 12, 2013

Amid news of Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation, the archbishop of Rio de Janeiro said the new Pope elected in the... Read more