papal transition
Benedict XVI’s poll numbers can’t match John Paul II’s
By Lauren Markoe — February 21, 2013
(RNS) Pope Benedict XVI never inspired the deep admiration enjoyed by his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, but Americans – and Catholic Americans even more so – still look favorably upon the soon-to-be-former head of the Roman Catholic Church.
Eccentric Russian artist finds a career as papal portraitist
By Alessandro Speciale — February 21, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Natalia Tsarkova originally intended to stay in Rome for a few months when she arrived in 1994, but has managed to forge a career as the Vatican's official papal portraitist.
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.
GUEST COMMENTARY: Benedict XVI, the caretaker pope
By David Steinmetz — February 20, 2013
(RNS) Pope Benedict XVI was first, last, and always a teacher. But he was always, alas, a weak manager of personnel. In the end Benedict XVI was the ``caretaker pope'' that many didn't expect him to be.
Analysis: Conservatives vent disappointment over Benedict’s papacy
By David Gibson — February 18, 2013
(RNS) When Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected Pope Benedict XVI in 2005, the surprising choice left conservative Catholics almost giddy with the prospect of total victory. Now with Benedict set to resign, the Catholic right is counting up the ways that Benedict failed them.
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.
GUEST COMMENTARY: Why the next pope should come from the Global South
By Wesley Granberg-Michaelson — February 18, 2013
(RNS) A non-European pope, drawn from the Global South that's shaping the future face of the church, would be a prophetic spiritual gift to the whole Christian community, and beyond.
Video: Global Journalist – What the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI means for the Catholic Church
By Sally Morrow — February 18, 2013
Video courtesy Global Journalist
Cardinal Mahony’s vote in papal conclave stirs ire, shrugs
By Sarah Parvini — February 14, 2013
LOS ANGELES (RNS) Retired Cardinal Roger Mahony still has a vote in next month's conclave to elect a new pope, and despite the abuse scandal unearthed in court documents, his vote was met with a shrug by many local Catholics.
COMMENTARY: Joseph Ratzinger, the last of the traditional popes
By A. James Rudin — February 14, 2013
(RNS) Joseph Ratzinger perhaps will be best remembered as a quiet theologian and intellectual. But he was not, as some critics charge, a ``transitional'' pope.
Catholic migration, and why the next pope should be Brazilian
By Daniel Burke — February 14, 2013
A new analysis of Catholic population shifts raises questions about the upcoming papal election.
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.
Meet the US cardinals who will vote for the next pope
By Sally Morrow — February 13, 2013
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.”
Meet the 11 Americans who will help choose the next pope
By Caleb K. Bell — February 13, 2013
(RNS) Meet the 11 U.S. cardinals who will vote in next month's conclave to elect a new pope, from the scandal-scarred Cardinal Roger Mahony to the conservative Vatican insider Cardinal Raymond Burke.
