As the Catholic Church welcomed its 267th pope, Leo XIV – elected May 8 – attention quickly turned to the first moments of his pontificate. The first weeks of a papacy often give a hint as to how the entire pontificate will look.
Pope emeritus Benedict XVI
Only In Print: Pope Benedict’s Final Resting Place
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was buried on Jan. 5 in the Vatican Grottoes, a space located beneath St. Peter’s Basilica that serves as the final resting place of numerous popes and historical figures.
Late Pontiff’s Teachings Had Big Impact on Diocesan Priests
One of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s special gifts, say the diocesan priests who met him and studied his theological writings, was his strength as a teacher and his ability to simplify a message.
Pope Benedict XVI’s Letter in Response to Munich Report Admits No Wrongdoing
At the age of 94, retired Pope Benedict XVI said he knows he will soon stand before God’s judgment and he prayed that he would be forgiven for his shortcomings, including in handling allegations of clerical sexual abuse.
Complete Letter of Pope Benedict XVI Regarding Report on Abuse
Here is the Vatican’s English translation of the letter retired Pope Benedict XVI published Feb. 8 in response to the independent report on the handling of sexual abuse allegations in the German Archdiocese of Munich and Freising from 1945 to 2019.
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI to Mark 70 Years as Priest With Brother’s Choir
This week marks the 70th anniversary of retired Pope Benedict XVI’s ordination as a priest — an anniversary his personal secretary says will be celebrated with things of personal significance: The liturgy, and former members of his late brother’s choir.
700 Years After His Death, Dante Still Inspires Popes
During the 2015 celebration of the 750th birthday of Dante Aligheri, Pope Francis invited Catholics from all over the world to read The Divine Comedy, one of the most important works of Western and Christian civilization.
Popes Francis, Benedict Receive Their First Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine
Both Pope Francis and retired Pope Benedict XVI have received the first dose of the vaccine against COVID-19 after the Vatican started vaccinating its employees and residents Jan. 13.
Popes Francis, Benedict XVI in Line for Vaccination Against COVID-19
The Vatican began vaccinating its employees and residents against COVID-19 Jan. 13, giving priority to its health care workers, security personnel, employees who deal with the public and older residents, employees and retirees.
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI Did Not Lose His Voice, Says Archbishop Gänswein
Archbishop Georg Gänswein, the pope emeritus’ secretary, is denying media reports that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI lost his voice.