Pope's Reflection on Vatican II (Part 3)

"Now, with these themes, the 'Rhine alliance' so to speak had completed its work"

Vatican City, February 21, 2013 (Zenit.org) | 2560 hits

Here is the third 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 …

Pope Considering Release of 'Motu Propio' Prior to Resignation

Document Would Clarify Several Points on Rite of Conclave

Vatican City, February 20, 2013 (Zenit.org) Junno Arocho Esteves | 2146 hits

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican Press Office, informed journalists today that Pope Benedict XVI is considering publishing a Motu Propio, a document released by the …

Israeli Prime Minister Sends Letter of Gratitude to Pope Benedict

Benjamin Netanyahu Applauds Pontiff's Efforts to Improve Judeo-Christian Relations

Jerusalem, February 19, 2013 (Zenit.org) Junno Arocho Esteves | 1607 hits

Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu sent a letter to Pope Benedict XVI thanking the Holy Father for his efforts in strengthening relations between Jews and Christians. The letter was …

Philippine Bishops' Conference President Downplays 'Last Pope' Prophecy

Archbishop Jose Palma Says Church Is Always in the Hands of God

Manila, February 19, 2013 (Zenit.org) | 2250 hits

Contrary to doomsday prophecies, the Catholic Church will continue for many more years, the head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said. Archbishop Jose Palma of …

Celebrating 40 Days of Pope Benedict XVI

UK Youth Give Testimony of Pontiff's Impact on Their Generation

London, February 18, 2013 (Zenit.org) Ann Schneible | 1775 hits

On each of the 40 days of Lent, 40 young people will share their testimony of how Pope Benedict XVI has impacted their faith, and their lives. The project began on Ash Wednesday, just two …

Knights of Columbus Launch Prayer Campaign During Papal Transition

Ask Catholics to Sign Online Pledge to Pray and to Tweet Prayer Commitment to the Pope

New Haven, February 18, 2013 (Zenit.org) | 2199 hits

The Knights of Columbus is asking its members and all Catholics to praydailyfor the pope and the church in anticipation of Pope Benedict XVI's retirement and the election of a new pope. The …

Father Lombardi: "After the Resignation"

Pope Benedict's Decision Is an Act of 'Admirable Human and Christian Wisdom'

Vatican City, February 18, 2013 (Zenit.org) Fr. Federico Lombardi | 2067 hits

Here is a translation of this week's editorial from the director of the Vatican press office, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi. * * * Pope Benedict’s decision to renounce the papacy has …

Pope's Resignation Directs Faithful to God

Pontifical University of the Holy Cross Professor Sheds Light on Upcoming Conclave

Rome, February 15, 2013 (Zenit.org) Ann Schneible | 2717 hits

Pope Benedict XVI's greatest act – his resignation – shows the love which the pontiff has for the Church, and his detachment from personal power, says Fr. Robert Gahl, associate professor of …

Pope Assures Rome's Priests: I Will Remain Close to You in Prayer

Cardinal Vicar: "Your teaching was always received by your priests as a treasure"

Vatican City, February 14, 2013 (Zenit.org) H. Sergio Mora | 2299 hits

Benedict XVI's meeting today with the priests of his Diocese of Rome is an annual tradition. This time, of course, it had an unprecedented character. Benedict XVI entered Paul VI Hall amid …

Hong Kong Bishop Thanks Pope for Attention to China

"Our Holy Father ... has always loved the Church, putting all his heart and energy into the pastoral service of the People of God"

Hong Kong, February 14, 2013 (Zenit.org) | 2057 hits

Here is a statement issued Tuesday by Cardinal John Tong, bishop of Hong Kong, in response to the Holy Father's resignation. * * * Heartfelt Thanks to the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI Our …

Benedict XVI Celebrates Last Public Liturgy

Cardinal Bertone Says Pope's Resignation Is Reminder That Church Belongs to Christ

Vatican City, February 13, 2013 (Zenit.org) Kathleen Naab | 2485 hits

As the faithful cheered, applauded and wiped away tears, a tranquil and slightly smiling Benedict XVI gave blessing after blessing as he processed out of St. Peter's Basilica at the end of …

Cardinal Bertone's Farewell Address to the Holy Father

Vatican City, February 13, 2013 (Zenit.org) | 4004 hits

Here is a translation of the brief statement by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Pope's secretary of state and the cardinal camerlengo, at the end of this evening's Ash Wednesday Mass, over …

Pope Benedict XVI: 'The Church Belongs to Christ'

Pontiff Speaks on Impending Retirement During General Audience

Vatican City, February 13, 2013 (Zenit.org) Junno Arocho Esteves | 1876 hits

Prior to delivering his weekly General Audience address today, Pope Benedict XVI spoke on his retirement set for the end of the month. Thousands of pilgrims gathered at Paul VI Hall to …

Cardinal Abril y Castelló: We Will Miss the Lucidity and Clarity of His Teachings as Pontiff

Spanish Prelate Recounts Surprise at Monday's Consistory

Rome, February 13, 2013 (Zenit.org) H. Sergio Mora | 1564 hits

The cardinals who took part in Monday's consistory did so thinking that it would be somewhat of a routine, that after Benedict XVI heard the reports of the postulators and the indications of …