papal resignation
The Latest
Pope Francis: ‘I believe that the pope’s ministry is for life’
Pope Francis addressed once again the question of whether he will resign the papacy in two conversations with Jesuit priests... Read more
Letter from Benedict XVI reveals the ‘central motive’ for his resignation, biographer says
Benedict XVI said he had suffered from chronic insomnia since the early days of his pontificate, according to a letter... Read more
‘I lost a dad’: Pope Francis speaks about losing Benedict XVI
In an interview with the AP, Pope Francis spoke about his relationship with his predecessor, Benedict XVI. Read more
Pope Francis says intestinal problems have ‘returned’ but insists, ‘I’m in good health’
The 86-year-old pontiff discussed his health and possible retirement in a wide-ranging interview with the Associated Press published Jan. 25. Read more
Pope Francis: Resignation already signed ‘in case of medical impediment’
In a recent interview, Pope Francis said he has signed his resignation in case his health prevents him from continuing... Read more
A question of ‘delicate balance’: How might Pope Francis reform the rules of the conclave?
Who will manage the Vatican when a pope resigns, is unable to govern, or passes away? And according to which... Read more
Saint Celestine V and the Catholic Church's first jubilee
Peter of Morrone was an unusual choice for pope: He was not a cardinal but a hermit living in a... Read more
Full text: Pope Francis’ in-flight press conference from Canada
Pope Francis returned to Rome on Saturday after a week-long trip to Canada. During the July 24 to 30 trip,... Read more
Pope Francis: ‘The Lord will say’ when it is time to retire
Pope Francis said Saturday that he is “open” to the possibility of retiring if he discerns that it is God’s... Read more
Archbishop Gänswein moved to tears over Benedict XVI's comment about journey to heaven
The pope emeritus’ personal secretary recalled the words during a June celebration organized by the Joseph Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI Foundation... Read more
'For the moment, no. Really!' – Pope Francis dismisses resignation rumors, says health is improving
Pope Francis has said he has no plans to resign soon and that his knee injury is healing. Read more
Benedict XVI talks resignation, Pope Francis in new book-length interview
Though he has rarely spoken since resigning from the papacy, Benedict XVI granted several lengthy interviews to German journalist Peter Seewald shortly... Read more
Translator predicts Benedict XVI's legacy as a great teacher
A former translator of Benedict XVI has predicted that the retired pontiff’s legacy will only grow, given the “wonderful freshness”... Read more
Journalist who broke news of resignation recalls her 'panic'
Vatican journalist Giovanna Chirri remembers her shock at Benedict XVI's resignation last year, and how she broke the news before... Read more
Cardinal recalls shock of Benedict XVI's resignation
One year later, Cardinal James Stafford reflects on the meeting where Benedict XVI announced that he was stepping down as... Read more
Over 50,000 send messages of gratitude to Benedict XVI
A book containing more than 50,000 messages of gratitude to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has been delivered to the Apostolic... Read more
Book on Benedict XVI's final speeches planned
A book on all of Benedict XVI’s speeches from the moment he announced his resignation until his last day as... Read more
Benedict XVI's cobbler fondly remembers retired Pope
The man who is known around the world as “the Pope’s shoemaker” expressed sadness at the retirement of Pope Benedict... Read more
Argentinian cardinal says God spoke through Pope Benedict
Cardinal Estanislao Esteban Karlic, the retired archbishop of Parana, Argentina, said that God used Benedict XVI’s resignation from the papacy... Read more
Spanish ambassador to Holy See voices support amid papal transition
Spain’s ambassador to the Holy See, Eduardo Gutierrez Saenz de Buruaga, said after meeting with the Spanish cardinals that they... Read more
