As one of the major protagonists of the Francis papacy – and arguably of the Catholic Church since Vatican II – German Cardinal Walter Kasper argues, “there is no real substantial difference between Pope Benedict and Pope Francis.”
Pope Benedict XVI
Benedict Dismisses Criticism of Francis’ Papacy
On the eve of the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis’ election, retired Pope Benedict XVI defended the continuity of the Church’s teaching under his successor and dismissed those who criticize the pope’s theological foundations.
Vatican Denies Report That Pope Benedict Has ‘Degenerative Illness’
The Vatican has denied that retired Pope Benedict XVI has a degenerative neurological disease or paralyzing condition after his brother, 94-year-old Msgr. Georg Ratzinger, told a magazine that Pope Benedict had a debilitating disease.
Last Three Popes Had Devotion to OL Fatima
Recent popes have had a special affection for Our Lady of Fatima, but no pope’s connection can match that of St. John Paul II.
Benedict Celebrates 90th Birthday with Bavarian Beer
A bit of Bavaria, including German beer and pretzels, came to the Vatican to help celebrate retired Pope Benedict XVI’s 90th birthday.
Benedict: Governance Not My Strong Suit
In a book-length interview with the German author Peter Seewald, Pope Benedict said that when he resigned he had the “peace of someone who had overcome difficulty” and “could tranquilly pass the helm to the one who came next.”
Retired Pope Says Age Brings Him New Insights
As he prays in his house in the Vatican Gardens and especially as he ages, retired Pope Benedict XVI, now 89, said he finds many Scripture passages “more challenging in their greatness and gravity.”
New Book with Retired Pope Benedict Due in September
Retired Pope Benedict XVI has given another interview to the journalist and author Peter Seewald, and a German publisher announced it would be released worldwide Sept. 9.
Retired Benedict XVI Feels ‘Protected’ by Pope Francis
In his first public address in almost a year, retired Pope Benedict XVI expressed his sincere gratefulness to Pope Francis, saying that his goodness “in every moment of my life here, touches me deeply.”
Father Victor Bolaños
Father Victor Manuel Bolaños, 47, never thought of becoming a priest. Not until World Youth Day in 2008 when he felt a vocational call so powerful that he could not resist it.