World News
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 […]
List of potential cardinal-electors for a papal conclave
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Here is a list of cardinal-electors, from oldest to youngest, eligible to vote for a pope in a conclave.
Pope Benedict shows signs of aging, but Vatican reports no illness
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — From the moment he was elected pope at the age of 78 in 2005, Pope Benedict XVI has kept a schedule that appeared light compared to that of Blessed John Paul II, but busy for a man who already had a pacemaker and who wanted to retire to study, write and […]
Text of Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation announcement
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Here is the Vatican's English translation of Pope Benedict XVI's resignation remarks, delivered in Latin, during an ordinary public consistory to approve the canonization of new saints Feb. 11.
14 cardinals from United States, Canada eligible to vote in conclave
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Here is a list of the 14 cardinals from Canada and the United States -- including Cardinal Justin Rigali, retired Archbishop of Philadelphia -- who are under the age of 80 and therefore eligible to vote in a conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI:
Pope Benedict, citing age, announces he will resign
UPDATE -- VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Saying he no longer has the strength to exercise ministry over the universal church, Pope Benedict XVI announced Feb. 11 that he would be resigning at the end of the month after an eight-year pontificate. See updates on this developing story in our Papal Transition section, featuring more stories and photos of Pope Benedict, and information on the coming conclave to elect a new pope.
Theologian: American youth a ravaged but promising mission field
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In sexual morality, family life and education, the Baby Boom generation ushered in a series of cultural changes that led to an "anthropological crisis" in American society, leaving younger generations yearning acutely for what the Catholic Church has to offer. That is the assessment of Pia de Solenni, a Seattle-based writer with theology degrees from two Vatican-chartered universities, who now serves as a consultant to the Pontifical Academy of St. Thomas Aquinas.
Give real help to youth facing work, education issues, pope urges
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Young people's essential needs, including decent work and an education, demand a serious, effective response from both the church and the wider community, Pope Benedict XVI said. Problems facing young people "cannot be met with responses that are evasive or banal," he said, especially if humanity is going to have a hopeful, generous future.
Punk band rocks the Vatican, explains today’s youth to culture council
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- When the head of the Pontifical Council for Culture said he wanted to listen to what today's young people had to say, he wasn't afraid to hear it belted out at 100 decibels. Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi invited members of the Italian rock group, The Sun, to speak their minds through music to the cardinals, bishops, lay members and advisers of the council, as well as to a large contingent of foot-stomping, cheering young fans. (Watch a video of The Sun performing their song, "Rain".)
Canada’s Salt and Light TV debuts new ‘Vatican Connections’ series
TORONTO (CNS) — Salt and Light Television in Toronto is debuting a new television series called “Vatican Connections.” The weekly show will offer viewers insight into the latest headlines coming out of the Holy See and highlight the history and traditions of Rome. Alicia Ambrosio will host the show, aimed at helping “make sense of […]