Farewell to Pope From Superiors of Men Religious

"We are perhaps most thankful, Holy Father, for your own personal search for holiness throughout the course of your life"

Washington, D.C., February 25, 2013 (Zenit.org) | 1357 hits

Most Holy Father: Greetings in our Lord Jesus Christ! Presently assembled for our annual winter meeting, we, the National Board of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men in the United …

New Evangelization: Priorities for the Next Pope

Following Predecessors' Footsteps

Rome, February 22, 2013 (Zenit.org) Father John Flynn, LC | 2964 hits

Not only will Pope Benedict XVI not be publishing his third encyclical on the theological virtues, the one on faith, but he leaves before issuing the postsynodal exhortation on the new …

Pope's Reflection on Vatican II (Part 4)

"There was the Council of the Fathers the real Council but there was also the Council of the media"

Vatican City, February 22, 2013 (Zenit.org) | 2625 hits

Here is the fourth and final part of a Vatican translation of the reflection Benedict XVI gave Feb. 14, when he met with the clergy of Rome. The Holy Father delivered the reflection …

Vatican Press Office Director Confirms Details of Pontiff's Final Week

Fr. Federico Lombardi Also Clarified Several Issues Regarding Conclave, Media Speculations

Vatican City, February 21, 2013 (Zenit.org) | 2793 hits

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press office, today presented information related to the Holy Father's calendar and clarified several issues that have been raised in …

Holy See Offers Rare Glimpse of Vatican City to Journalists

Pope's Future Home an Ideal Spot for Prayer and Reflection

Vatican City, February 21, 2013 (Zenit.org) Junno Arocho Esteves | 1901 hits

Millions of people from all walks of life have descended on Rome to see Pope Benedict XVI before the Feb. 28 end of his papacy. Ever since the announcement of his resignation, curiosity as to …

History of Conclaves: It's Grace That Sustains the Church

From Corruption to Comedy in Tales of Pope-Choosing

Rome, February 21, 2013 (Zenit.org) Edward Pentin | 3238 hits

The history of conclaves is a fascinating one, although not always very edifying, particularly when popes were closely tied to temporal power. Tales of skulduggery, corruption and bribery …

Cardinal Dziwisz: The New Pope Will Also Enrich the Church

On the Resignation: "Being for so many years near John Paul II, I know that such decisions cost a lot"

Krakow, February 20, 2013 (Zenit.org) | 2746 hits

Here is a draft translation from Polish of an interview Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz gave toMonsignor Ireneusz Skubiś ofthe Catholic weekly Niedziela. * * * Q: Your Eminence, we were witnesses …

Some FAQ's on the Pope's Resignation

20 Brief Answers to 20 Questions

Rome, February 20, 2013 (Zenit.org) | 4315 hits

Benedict XVI's renunciation has raised many questions, and not only in the Catholic world. Some of the questions are of a practical nature, while others regard more far-reaching doubts. …

Pope's Last Farewell to Be Broadcast Live

Vatican Television Preparing to Record History

Rome, February 20, 2013 (Zenit.org) H. Sergio Mora | 2985 hits

On the last day of his pontificate, Benedict XVI will be filmed live by television cameras during his final hours in the Vatican, according to Monsignor Edoardo María Viganó, director of the …

Farewell to Benedict XVI From Leader of Legionaries of Christ

"Since you have done so much for us, leading us both personally and by means of your delegate, the news of your resignation fills us with sadness"

Rome, February 20, 2013 (Zenit.org) | 1648 hits

Here is a letter to Benedict XVI from the vicar general of the Legionaries of Christ, thanking the Pope for his pontificate. * * * February 15, 2013 His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI Most Holy …

In Retrospect: Benedict XVI at International Youth Center

5 Years On, Centro San Lorenzo Directors, Volunteers Recall Pontiff's Visit

Rome, February 20, 2013 (Zenit.org) Ann Schneible | 1108 hits

As Pope Benedict XVI prepares for his forthcoming resignation, young volunteers of the Centro San Lorenzo remember the day the Holy Father visited the youth center five years ago. The …

Pope's Reflection on Vatican II (Part 2)

"But it was as if there were two parallel liturgies: the priest with the altar-servers, who celebrated Mass according to the Missal, and the laity, who prayed during Mass using their own prayer books"

Vatican City, February 20, 2013 (Zenit.org) | 2734 hits

Here is the second part of a Vatican translation of the reflection Benedict XVI gave last Thursday, Feb. 14, when he met with the clergy of Rome. The Holy Father delivered the reflection …

When the Holy See Is Vacant

And More on Marriage Vows

Rome, February 19, 2013 (Zenit.org) Father Edward McNamara, LC | 3302 hits

Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and dean of theology at the Regina Apostolorum university. Q: After Feb. 28, and before the election of a new …

Pope's Reflection on Vatican II (Part 1)

"So off we went to the Council not just with joy but with enthusiasm"

Vatican City, February 19, 2013 (Zenit.org) | 3744 hits

Here is a first part of a Vatican translation of the reflection Benedict XVI gave last Thursday when he met with the clergy of Rome. The Holy Father delivered the reflection extemporaneously, …