Letter to Pope Benedict from Chinese Clergy and Faithful

Vatican City, February 28, 2013 (Zenit.org) | 2566 hits

Here is the translation of a letter sent by members of the clergy and faithful of China sent to the Holy Father after his announcement that he would be retiring from the Petrine Ministry. * * …

The Ten Commandments of Reporting on the Vatican

Some Advice for the Coming Days

Rome, February 28, 2013 (Zenit.org) Elizabeth Lev | 6787 hits

The resignation of Pope Benedict has opened a new episode in Church history and drawn worldwide media attention. All of us who are fortunate enough to work in the media are enjoying the honor …

Pope Benedict: I Am Not Abandoning the Cross But Remain in a New Way With the Crucified Lord

Thousands Bid Emotional Farewell To Pontiff in Final General Audience

Vatican City, February 27, 2013 (Zenit.org) Junno Arocho Esteves | 3508 hits

The sun shined brightly in Vatican City after several days of rain while Pope Benedict XVI greeted an estimated 150,000 pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square for the final General Audience …

Pope's Final General Audience Address

"I am not abandoning the cross, but remain in a new way with the Crucified Lord"

Vatican City, February 27, 2013 (Zenit.org) | 5150 hits

Here is the translation of the address Pope Benedict gave this morning during the general audience, the last of his pontificate, held today in St. Peter's Square. * * * Venerable Brothers in …

Canon Law Professor on Papal Resignation

Expert Sheds Light on Conclave During Historic Time in the Church

Rome, February 27, 2013 (Zenit.org) Ann Schneible | 1993 hits

Tomorrow Pope Benedict XVI's pontificate will end with his resignation, at which point there will commence the process of electing his successor. The official notice of the sede vacante will …

Benedict XVI to Be Referred to as "Roman Pontiff Emeritus" After Resignation

Fr. Federico Lombardi Gives Details on Final Days of Pontificate

Vatican City, February 26, 2013 (Zenit.org) Junno Arocho Esteves | 1864 hits

In a press briefing today at the Vatican, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office, answered what many have been asking since Pope Benedict XVI announced his …

Color of the Veil for the Cross

And More on the Sede Vacante

Rome, February 26, 2013 (Zenit.org) Father Edward McNamara, LC | 2827 hits

Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and dean of theology at the Regina Apostolorum university. Q: In the new Roman Missal the color for covering the …

Exempting Oneself From Conclave Requires Decision Made in 'Good Conscience'

Cardinals Traditionally Obligated to Participate

Rome, February 26, 2013 (Zenit.org) Kathleen Naab | 1639 hits

Rome is already beginning to welcome the 115 voting cardinals, as well as many of the 91 cardinals who are already too old to vote but who will participate in the congregations prior to the …

Videos From the Holy Land Offer Reflections on Resignation

Jerusalem, February 26, 2013 (Zenit.org) | 893 hits

In the two weeks since Benedict XVI announced his resignation, the Franciscan Media Center, the video department of the Custody of the Holy Land, has made available a number of ways to share …

Brazil Youth Launch Multilingual Prayer Site for the Conclave

Compiling Global Spiritual Bouquet

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, February 26, 2013 (Zenit.org) | 1368 hits

Inspired by Benedict XVI, five brazilians launched Sunday the Web site www.1conclave.com. "United for the Conclave" is directed to all young people around the world. The site is compiling a …

Focolare President, Members to Say Farewell at Audience

Non-Christians, Non-Believers Speak of Pope's Legacy

Rome, February 26, 2013 (Zenit.org) | 1082 hits

Numerous members of the Focolare Movement, as well as its president, Maria Voce, and General Council, will attend Benedict XVI's last general audience on Wednesday, to express their gratitude …

Cardinal Bertone Asks Prayer of Contemplative Monasteries, Convents

"The coming conclave will thus depend in a special way on the transparent purity of your prayer and worship"

Vatican City, February 26, 2013 (Zenit.org) | 1421 hits

Benedict XVI's secretary of state, who is also the cardinal camerlengo, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, has askedcontemplative monasteries and convents around the world for special prayer during …

Pope Benedict: 'The Lord is Calling Me To 'Scale the Mountain''

Hundreds of Thousands Gather in St. Peter's Square for Pontiff's Final Angelus Address

Vatican City, February 25, 2013 (Zenit.org) Junno Arocho Esteves | 2183 hits

An estimated 200,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square for the final Angelus address of Pope Benedict XVI's papacy. Greeted by cheers and songs, the Holy Father thanked the faithful for …

'Motu Proprio' Apostolic Letter Regarding the Election of the Roman Pontiff

Vatican City, February 25, 2013 (Zenit.org) | 3965 hits

Here is a translation of parts of Pope Benedict's Motu Proprio, which was issued today regarding the election of the next Roman Pontiff. * * * “With the Apostolic Letter 'De aliquibus …