'God's Rottweiler' silenced many as head of doctrinal congregation
Pope Benedict XVI might want to fade into a quiet retirement of books and music, but Catholics with long memories remember when Joseph Ratzinger was in charge of upholding orthodoxy.
Vatican
The Vatican is stuck in a monarchical past
Analysis: The Vatican is stuck in a time period full of court behavior and palace intrigue, trying desperately to stave off 21st-century reality.
A somber St. Peter's Square
The square outside St. Peter’s Basilica was busy the night of Feb. 26. Crews were setting up chairs, barricades, cameras and lights in anticipation of the final general audience of Pope Benedict XVI. Amid the hubbub, pilgrims and visitors milled quietly on the square, giving the scene a somber dignity. Standing in the square in the early evening, one could see lights burning brightly in the papal apartment, leading to the question: want occupies Benedict’s minds on his nights.
Wisdom and Pope Benedict's retirement choices
The story is told that when Jesuit Fr. Peter Hans Kolvenbach was set to step down as 29th superior general of the Jesuit order, he was asked what work he would do next.
His answer: “Whatever the next superior general tells me.”
Vatican denounces press reports on papal transition
Vatican officials released a pair of unusual statements Saturday condemning some press coverage of the papal transition.
A communique from the Secretariat of State called "deplorable" the "widespread distribution of often unverified, unverifiable or completely false news stories" intended to exert "pressures on the election of the pope."
Indonesian cardinal says poor eyesight will keep him from conclave
At least one of the 117 cardinals eligible to elect a new pope will not come to Rome because of illness.
Indonesian Cardinal Julius Darmaatmadja, the 78-year-old retired archbishop of Jakarta, told the Rome-based AsiaNews agency Thursday that his health and particularly the "progressive deterioration" of his eyesight led to his decision not to travel to Rome.
A few fun facts about popes in history
How old was the youngest pope ever elected? How about the oldest? How long has it been since an African pope was elected? Get these answers and more.
Pope considering last-minute changes to conclave rules, Vatican says
Pope Benedict XVI is considering making changes to the conclave rules and rituals before he leaves office Feb. 28, the Vatican confirmed.
Take part in the conclave of the People of God
Vote: Who do you think will be chosen to lead the world's 1.2 billion Catholics after the next conclave?
Pope asks cardinal to lead financially troubled religious order
Pope Benedict XVI has entrusted the leadership of the financially troubled Sons of the Immaculate Conception to Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi, president of the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See.
The religious order, which has about 400 priests and brothers, runs a major hospital in Rome specializing in diseases and cancers of the skin. Its members also work in North and South America, Africa, Europe and Asia.
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In This Issue
May 10-23, 2013
- Illinois parish's ESL program welcomes all
- A different Mary assumes the stage
- A question few seem to consider when the US wages war afar
- [Print Edition Only] Special Section: Summer Listings
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