Pope Benedict XVI news stories on Newser

The Vatican: Now With 100% More Pope

Ruth Brown — Thu, 02 May 2013 09:07:06 CDT

Former Pope Benedict XVI is lugging his suitcases back to the Vatican today—marking the first time two popes have ever simultaneously lived behind Vatican walls. Benedict has been staying at the pontifical summer residence since abdicating in February, but will fly via official papal helicopter to his new home,...

2 Popes Meet: 'We Are Brothers'

John Johnson — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 09:41:00 CDT

It's a Catholic first: A sitting pope met with his predecessor today. Pope Francis traveled to Castel Gandalfo outside Rome to visit with Pope emeritus Benedict, reports the BBC . The AP says both men paid deference to other other. When they entered a chapel, for instance, Benedict directed Francis to...

Pope Francis to Wash, Kiss Inmates' Feet

Neal Colgrass — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:40:26 CDT

At least he's washing them first: The new pope plans to wash and kiss the feet of juvenile delinquents in a rare gesture next Thursday, the Guardian reports. Instead of holding Holy Thursday mass in either St Peter's basilica or the basilica of St John in Lateran, Pope Francis will...

No Pope Today: First Smoke Is Black

John Johnson — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:06:15 CDT

Catholics have to wait at least one more day for a new pope, reports AP . Black smoke emerged from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel today, signaling that cardinals failed to elect a pope on the first ballot, as expected. They will now retire for the night and try again...

The White-Smoke Watch Begins

Rob Quinn — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 07:38:23 CDT

This afternoon, 115 cardinals will file into the frescoed Sistine Chapel singing the "Litany of Saints," a hypnotic Gregorian chant imploring the intercession of saints to help them choose a pope. By 3pm EDT (8pm local time) the first puffs of smoke should make their way out of the chapel's...

Cardinals Get Ready to Send Smoke Signals

John Johnson — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 11:32:05 CST

Catholics should have a new pope next week. Church cardinals who already are gathered at the Vatican decided today to begin voting on Tuesday, reports CNN . As per tradition, they will vote in the Sistine Chapel and send up black smoke after a failed ballot (a candidate needs two-thirds of...

US Catholics: Give Us Hip, Young Pope

Evann Gastaldo — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 08:14:52 CST

The last pope was installed as a 78-year-old spring chicken who wasn't cool with birth control. This time around, a majority of US Catholics think that should change. A CBS News / New York Times poll finds that 66% of American Catholics want a pope who is "younger with new...

Cardinals Launch Pope-Picking Process

Rob Quinn — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 07:41:05 CST

Catholic cardinals from all over the world are gathering in Rome to begin the process of choosing a successor to Benedict XVI, who ended his papacy Thursday . The 115 cardinal electors will hold meetings this week ahead of a conclave next week in which one of them is expected to...

With Benedict Out, the Secrecy Begins

Matt Cantor — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:39:54 CST

Pope Benedict is officially retired, and it's time for deliberations on his successor to begin in earnest. The "princes of the Church," top cardinals worldwide, will soon meet informally to discuss plans; on Monday, formal talks begin, Reuters reports. In closed-door general congregations, cardinals will assess potential candidates while also...