New pope ‘figure of unity’ for all Catholics, says US Bishops’ president

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, congratulated the newly elected pope, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina, who took the name Francis. Pope Francis “stands as the figure of unity for all Catholics wherever they reside. The bishops of the United […]

Called by name: Keep this list ready when new pope is named

VATICAN CITY — The first clue to the identity of the new pope will be the announcement of his first name — in Latin. If he is not the one chosen, French Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, the top-ranked cardinal-deacon, will say, in Latin, “I announce to you a great joy. We have a pope: His most […]

Three US cardinals discuss papal candidates, process of choosing pope

ROME (CNS) -- After Pope Benedict XVI left the Vatican and began the last hours of his papacy, Cardinals Sean O'Malley of Boston (pictured), Francis E. George of Chicago and Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston spoke with reporters about the qualities of certain cardinals and what kinds of pope they would make, along with other thoughts about the coming conclave to elect a new pope.

Faithful throw big farewell at pope’s last general audience

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The last general audience in St. Peter’s Square turned into a farewell party with balloons, flowers, flags, posters, cheers, standing ovations and a touching thank-you speech from Pope Benedict XVI. Authorities estimated about 130,000 people were in attendance, most of them packed in the square, with some spillover onto the long […]

Pope Benedict’s resignation announcement stuns world leaders

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI’s announcement that he planned to resign Feb. 28 stunned and shocked religious and political leaders around the world. From Africa to Europe, Asia and Latin America, Catholic leaders offered warm words of praise and pledged to pray for the 85-year-old pontiff’s health. They pointed to Pope Benedict’s love of […]

US church leaders, including Archbishop Chaput, express surprise, admiration for pope’s decision

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- U.S. Catholic Church leaders who awoke to the news of Pope Benedict XVI's announcement that he will retire at the end of February said they were surprised by the news but admired the pontiff's courage and humility for making the decision.

Properly used, social networks important for evangelization, pope says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Social media need to promote more logic, kindness and Christian witness than bluster, star-status and division, Pope Benedict XVI said. Given that the online world exposes people to a wider range of opinions and beliefs, people need to accept the existence of these other cultures, “be enriched by it” and offer […]

Pope Benedict has new App-titude, lets users follow live events

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Vatican launched a new "Pope App" on the eve of the release of the pope's World Communications Day message, which is dedicated to social networks as important spaces for evangelization. The new app provides live streaming of papal events and video feeds from the Vatican's six webcams. It sends out alerts and links to top stories coming out of the Vatican's many news outlets, and carries words and images of Pope Benedict XVI.

Franciscan friars pray for intentions via texting

NEW YORK (CNS) — Often, prayer intentions are offered with hands folded, but a new service allows hands and fingers to move freely — provided a cellphone is handy. The New York-based Holy Name Province of the Franciscans has started a service it calls “Text a Prayer Intention to a Franciscan Friar.” Here’s how it […]

Make room for God, pray for peace, pope says in Christmas liturgies

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI urged people to think seriously about their faith at Christmas, and he urged them to recognize the connection between believing in God and helping others through acts of charity and by praying and working for peace. The birth of Jesus is a source of hope for the world, […]