The bells tolled, the organ played, and the congregation of 50,000 Romans and pilgrims applauded warmly as pallbearers brought the casket of Pope Benedict XVI onto the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Gerard O’Connell
Gerard O’Connell is America’s senior Vatican correspondent and author of The Election of Pope Francis: An Inside Story of the Conclave That Changed History. He has been covering the Vatican since 1985.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
What you need to know about the historic funeral of Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Francis will preside at the requiem Mass and impart the final blessing before the burial of Benedict XVI at a solemn ceremony marked by simplicity in St. Peter’s Square on the morning of Jan. 5.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis isn’t slowing down in 2023
Pope Francis’ agenda appears daunting even for a younger man, but, as he has said on more than one occasion, “one governs from the head, not from the knee.”
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Thousands pay their final respects to Benedict XVI as his body lies in state in St. Peter’s Basilica
There was not the air of sadness that pervaded those who paid their last respects to John Paul II when he died. It seems that the mourning for Benedict took place around the time of his resignation.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Benedict XVI’s last words: ‘Jesus, I love you.’
These were the final words that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI uttered before he died, a powerful final expression of love and faith.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis will preside at Benedict’s funeral in St. Peter’s Square on Jan. 5
Pope emeritus Benedict XVI will be laid to rest on Jan. 5, 2023, at a Mass in St. Peter’s Square at which Pope Francis will preside.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Vatican update: Benedict’s condition continues to be serious but stable
While former pope Benedict’s XVI’s health condition remains serious, the Vatican reported “his situation is stable at the moment” on Dec. 30.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Vatican update: Benedict XVI is ‘lucid and alert,’ but condition remains serious
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s medical condition remains serious, but the Vatican reported Thursday that he is “lucid and alert.”
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis asks for special prayer for ‘very ill’ Benedict XVI
The emeritus pope Benedict XVI has suffered a decline in health, Pope Francis said today at the end of his general audience. He asked for prayers for the 95-year-old former pontiff.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis compares Roman Curia to the Prodigal Son’s ‘elder brother’ in annual address
Pope Francis’ message to the Roman Curia has often been challenging, even provocative, and this year’s address was no exception.