Curious what Pope Benedict XVI‘s immediate successor will look like? Almost certainly he will be chosen from among the 117 Cardinal-electors pictured below. A cardinal must be below the age of 80 to vote and participate in the conclave. While a person does not need to be a cardinal …

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Calling this an unusual time for him and for the church — but not specifically mentioning his resignation — Pope Benedict XVI thanked people for their affection and asked them to continue their prayers. A roar of applause rose up …

By Catholic News Service  WASHINGTON (CNS) — Here are excerpts of statements from U.S. Catholic and other religious leaders released in reaction to Pope Benedict XVI’s Feb. 11 announcement that he is resigning, effective Feb. 28: — Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles: “Pope Benedict XVI has truly been …

  By John Stegeman The Catholic Telegraph ROME, Italy — Like other major world events, many will remember exactly where they were when they heard that Pope Benedict XVI was going to resign. Most in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati were likely checking the morning news online, or on television but …

By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — At his first public appearance since he announced that he would resign at the end of February, Pope Benedict XVI thanked the faithful for their love and prayers and asked them to pray for his successor. “I have felt, …

By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service  VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI’s decision to resign the papacy was a “surprise, like thunder that gives no notice that it’s coming,” said one of the cardinals who was in the room when the pope announced his decision Feb. 11. “We …

In April of 2005 when Blessed John Paul II passed from this world, it was a totally new experience for me.  I was less than one year ordained to the priesthood, but yet I had never known another name to be prayed during his spot in the Eucharistic Prayer.  (I …

In response to Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation announcement Monday, I give my take on the Paul Harvey classic speech “So God made a farmer” as used in the Ram Truck Super Bowl commercial.   So God made a Pope And some time considerably after the 8th day, God looked down on …

By Eileen Connelly, OSU The Catholic Telegraph When Lisa Caito woke to the news of Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation on Feb. 11, her reaction was similar to that of many Catholics — a mixture of surprise, sadness and gratitude for the pontiff’s years of faithful service to the church. A …

By Elieen Connelly, OSU The Catholic Telegraph Like many Catholics around the world, the Sisters of the Precious Blood were surprised by today’s announcement that Pope Benedict XVI will be retiring at the end of February. Still, the congregation understands the pope’s decision. “The pressures and energy required of an office …