Pope Benedict XVI
An American pope? Eyes turn to New York’s Cardinal Timothy Dolan
By David Gibson — February 12, 2013
NEW YORK (RNS) Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s extraordinary visibility and popularity are being cited as factors that could make him the first American with a realistic shot at being elected pope. But will any of the factors that make Dolan a contender actually help him with the 117 other voting cardinals?
Pope Benedict XVI leaves mixed legacy on clergy sexual abuse
By Emma Beck — February 12, 2013
(RNS) Pope Benedict XVI has at times publicly addressed the issue and even met with victims of clergy sexual abuse. But victims' advocates remain skeptical and critical over his handling of the matter, particularly the failure to punish bishops who protected abusers.
Health experts laud pope’s decision to step down
By Janice Lloyd — February 12, 2013
RNS) Health experts on aging admired Pope Benedict XVI 's decision to resign, citing visible clues about his declining health and respecting his honesty about an inability to fulfill responsibilities as he grows older.
COMMENTARY: Pope Benedict XVI’s missing mea culpa
By Tom Ehrich — February 12, 2013
How will Pope Benedict XVI be remembered? Hard to say. My guess: as a placeholder. I hope the next pope does what Jesus did: hearing the beggar's cries and, against his disciples' wishes, inviting the beggar closer and then healing him.
Religon & Ethics Newsweekly Video: Papal Succession
By Sally Morrow — February 11, 2013
After Pope Benedict XVI’s surprise announcement that he is resigning February 28, 2013, the Roman Catholic Church is preparing for a “conclave,” where cardinals under the age of 80 will gather to elect his successor. Managing editor Kim Lawton looked at the centuries-old process of selecting the pope. Video courtesy Religion & Ethics Newsweekly Watch […]
Video: CTV News interview with Kevin Eckstrom
By Sally Morrow — February 11, 2013
Religion News Service Editor in Chief Kevin Eckstrom spoke with CTV News about the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
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.
Who’s in the running for pope? 12 names to watch
By David Gibson — February 11, 2013
Pope Benedict XVI’s sudden resignation took the church and the world by surprise, in large part because it was a move without precedent in the modern world. But what comes next is as old and familiar as the papacy itself: speculating about who will be the next pope. Here are 12 names to watch.
Electing a new pope draws on tradition and secrecy
By Alessandro Speciale — February 11, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Benedict XVI will soon become the first pope to resign since 1415, short-circuiting many of the initial stages of electing a new pope. But the Vatican says the transition to a new papacy shouldn't be all that different from normal.
What happens next at the Vatican
By Kevin Eckstrom — February 11, 2013
(RNS) What are the rules for electing a new pope? They're not much different after a pope dies or resigns. Pope Benedict XVI modified the rules in 2007, following a major overhaul by Pope John Paul II in 1996.
Photo Slideshow: Pope Benedict XVI
By Sally Morrow — February 11, 2013
In a move that took the world by surprise, Pope Benedict XVI on Monday (Feb. 11) announced that he will resign on Feb. 28. Click on any image below to view photo slideshow.
Pope Benedict XVI to resign, citing age
By Alessandro Speciale — February 11, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) In a move that took the world by surprise, Pope Benedict XVI on Monday announced that he will resign on Feb 28.
New Vatican sex abuse prosecutor praises media
By Alessandro Speciale — February 5, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) In his first public appearance since arriving in Rome, the new Vatican prosecutor for sexual abuse cases in the Catholic Church praised the media's role in uncovering the scandal.
Did anything really change for Cardinal Mahony?
By David Gibson — February 4, 2013
(RNS) The quake that hit Los Angeles last week was an ecclesiastical one: Archbishop Jose Gomez publicly rebuked his predecessor, Cardinal Roger Mahony, and stripped him of his official duties. But on reflection, it’s not clear that Mahony was punished at all.
