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.
Pope Francis
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, Speeches
Pope Francis on the 3 attitudes of Mary: She ‘speaks little, listens a lot and cherishes in her heart’
“The Virgin Mary is a great teacher of discernment,” Pope Francis said in his Wednesday general audience on Jan. 4, 2023.
Posted inFaith, News
Pope Francis writes introduction to Benedict XVI’s final spiritual testament
“Benedict XVI did theology on his knees,” the pope wrote in the book’s introduction. “His explanation of the faith was carried out with the devotion of a man who has surrendered all of himself to God.”
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, Pope Francis Homilies
‘Mary gives us hope’: the homily of Pope Francis for Jan. 1
On the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God and the 54th World Day of Peace, Pope Francis reminded Christians to “imitate the shepherds: let us learn to see! To understand by seeing with our hearts.”
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
‘A renowned theologian, a holy man’: President Biden, Cardinal Dolan, other U.S. Catholics respond to Pope Benedict XVI’s death
In the wake of the death of pope emeritus Benedict XVI earlier today, U.S. Catholics offered public condolences and prayers.
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.