papal resignation
A what-if nightmare for the Catholic Church: Pope in a coma
By Thomas Reese — August 16, 2022
(RNS) — Any procedure for removing an incapacitated pope should not be quick or easy, but it should be public.
Why nonsense stories about the pope resigning keep popping up
By Thomas Reese — June 22, 2022
(RNS) — Francis can still perform his papal duties as long as his mind is clear.
Pope Francis plans to remain pope ‘for as long as God allows it,’ bishops say
By Claire Giangravé — June 21, 2022
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Despite health challenges, resignation ‘does not cross his mind,’ said Brazilian Archbishop Roque Paloschi.
Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI shuts down ‘fanatics,’ saying Francis is the only pope
By Claire Giangravé — March 1, 2021
(RNS) — Dismissing conspiratorial rumors about his resignation, Benedict admitted that while 'it was a difficult decision,' he still believes it to have been the right thing.
Two popes are one too many
By Thomas Reese — January 13, 2020
(RNS) — Although technically Benedict lost his papal authority when he resigned, his new book on priestly celibacy shows how he still flexes his authority.
Pope Benedict pledges obedience to his successor
By Alessandro Speciale — February 28, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Benedict XVI promised “unconditional” obedience to his successor during a farewell meeting with cardinals on Thursday.
Benedict will be ‘Pope Emeritus’ after resignation
By Alessandro Speciale — February 26, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Benedict XVI will be known as “Pope Emeritus” after his retirement on Thursday, and will continue to wear the traditional white papal vestments.
Vatican mulling changes to election of new pope
By Alessandro Speciale — February 20, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The Vatican confirmed that Pope Benedict XVI is considering changing church law regulating the election of a new pope, but stopped short of saying whether he would authorize an earlier start to the conclave.
Controversy over Cardinal Mahony’s conclave vote reaches Vatican
By Alessandro Speciale — February 19, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The controversy over Cardinal Roger Mahony's vote in the conclave that will elect a new pope has now reached the Vatican, with at least one cardinal musing aloud that the former archbishop of Los Angeles should consider staying home.
Who runs the Vatican after the pope steps down?
By Alessandro Speciale — February 18, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) As of 8 p.m. Thursday, the Vatican will go into "sede vacante'' mode -- a Latin expression that means that the seat of St. Peter is vacant. Here's what will happen and who rules the church during the "interregnum" between two popes.
Benedict intends to live ‘hidden from the world’
By Alessandro Speciale — February 14, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Benedict XVI said Thursday that he intends to live "hidden from the world'' in retirement even as his closest aide will assist his successor.
Pope Benedict XVI seeks prayers in wake of resignation
By Alessandro Speciale — February 13, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) In his first public comments since his surprise retirement announcement, Pope Benedict XVI asked Catholics for support and prayers to support him “in these days which are not easy for me.”
Pope’s resignation lands Vatican in uncharted territory
By Alessandro Speciale — February 12, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Still reeling from Monday's announcement that Pope Benedict XVI will become the first pope in 600 years to resign, the Vatican is attempting to return to normal, with many questions about the future but few answers.
Analysis: How the traditional Pope Benedict is redefining the papacy
By David Gibson — February 11, 2013
(RNS) From the beginning Pope Benedict XVI said he wanted his ministry to put the focus on Christ, not on himself as the pope. In the long run, he may well have redefined the papacy much as he hoped, and more radically than many expected.
Pope expected to live out a quiet retirement in Vatican monastery
By Alessandro Speciale — February 11, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Benedict XVI will continue living inside the Vatican once his retirement becomes official on Feb. 28, but observers say he will probably keep a low profile -- both before and after the election to choose his successor.
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