Topic: Pope Benedict XVI

Global News Blog Pope, UN crack down on church child abuse (+video)

Pope Francis has strengthened church laws against child abuse, while a UN committee investigates the Vatican's handling of abuse allegations.

Vatican approves second miracle, clears Pope John Paul II for sainthood

The Vatican announced Pope John Paul II has cleared the final obstacle to sainthood, a second miracle, and now awaits just final approval from Pope Francis and a date for the ceremony.

Who does Pope Francis blame for world hunger?

At a UN Food and Agriculture Organization conference, Pope Francis launched criticisms at 'the dictatorship of the economy' and the spread of consumerist values.

Teresita Barajuen: A world-record 86 years in a monastery

Teresita Barajuen: A cloistered nun who spent 86 years in a Spanish monastery, Sister Teresita Barajuan passed on at age 105.

Pope Francis confirms 'gay lobby' in confidential meeting

In a private meeting, Pope Francis said a 'gay lobby' was at work at the Vatican, which appears to confirm rumors swirling at the time of Benedict's resignation.

Cardinal: Sexual misconduct behind his departure from Scotland

Cardinal sexual misconduct: Cardinal Keith O'Brien, who resigned as archbishop after admitting to sexual misconduct, is leaving Scotland for "spiritual renewal, prayer and penance."

Is there a God? The Vatican invites Mexicans to discuss.

The Vatican's first Courtyard of the Gentiles event outside Europe takes place in Mexico this week. The number of Mexicans who say they are 'nonreligious' jumped by 56 percent between 2000 and 2010.

Ex-Pope Benedict returns to Vatican, welcomed by his successor Francis

Benedict XVI moved back to the Vatican on Thursday to live out retirement as neighbors with ruling Pope Francis for the first time. 'He is happy to be back at the Vatican ... where he intends to dedicate himself to the service of the Church, above all with prayer,' a Vatican statement said.

Earth Day 2013: 10 quotes about planet Earth

Earth Day is April 22. There is no shortage of famous musings on what Carl Sagan once called our 'pale blue dot.' Here are 10 of our favorite things said about planet Earth.

Pope: Crackdown on nuns in US reaffirmed

The Vatican last year imposed an overhaul of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious after determining the sisters took positions that undermined Catholic teaching on the priesthood and homosexuality while promoting 'radical feminist themes incompatible with the Catholic faith.' 

Victims' groups cool to Pope Francis's first comments on abuse scandal

On Friday, the new pope addressed the child abuse scandal for the first time since his election, calling for a continuation of his predecessor's unpopular approach.

Pope Francis: Women are 'fundamental' to church

Pope Francis emphasized the importance of women in Catholic homes and churches in a speech Wednesday, but did not suggest they should be ordained.

In Easter message Pope Francis calls for peace

Pope Francis emphasized his concern for the poor and suffering, and delivered a plea for peace in the Middle East and on the Korean peninsula during his first Easter Sunday Mass.

Pope Francis connects with crowd after first window appearance (+video)

The new leader for the world's Catholics gave a short speech in Italian from his window, a traditional Sunday duty of popes.

In interviews, new Pope Francis confirms commitment to poor

How European Catholics see Pope Francis

The more devout and orthodox the believer, the more likely they are to welcome the pope, but even liberal Catholics are willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Will Jesuit identity help Pope Francis repair 'fractured church'?

The Catholic Church is getting not only its first Latin American pope, but its first Jesuit leader. He hails from an order known for outreach and fresh thinking.

Pope pays hotel bill: Pope Francis sheds luxuries of previous popes

Pope Francis paid his hotel bill and thanked the staff this morning, just one of many signs that he wants a simpler lifestyle than his predecessor, Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI.

Pope Francis signals core mission – returning Catholics to the church (+video)

In his first blessing from the Vatican balcony, Pope Francis spoke of the 'evangelization' of Rome, a clear sign he would carry on the 'New Evangelization' legacy of John Paul II and Benedict XVI.

Argentine pope: A reflection of Catholicism 'south of the equator'

Residents of Buenos Aires met the papal announcement with surprise, checking smartphones in the street and asking each other if the news was true.

Election of Pope Francis fuels hopes for Catholic reform (+video)

The election of Francis is being interpreted as a victory for reform-minded cardinals, and may herald sweeping changes for the scandal-beset Catholic Church.

Global News Blog Pope Francis: A prelate who has preached against 'huge inequities'

The first pope from Latin America has highlighted in recent years the region's yawning gap between rich and poor. 

Pope Francis emerges to cheers of 'Viva il Papa'

The selection of Jorge Bergoglio, a Jesuit from Argentina, to be the next head of the Catholic Church electrified Rome.

Global News Blog Why Pope Francis is something of a surprise

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina - now Pope Francis - was not widely considered the top candidate heading into this week's conclave.

Pope Francis: First Latin American pope in Catholic history

Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected to be the new pope of the Roman Catholic church. Pope Francis is the first Latin American and Jesuit pope.