Topic: St. Peter's Basilica

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.

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.

Can Pope Francis' focus on poor attract 'indifferent Catholics' back to church?

While questions surround how Pope Francis dealt with Argentina's Dirty War, it is his involvement in the slums of Buenos Aires that is expected to guide his leadership of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics.

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. 

First round of Vatican voting: Black smoke says no pope yet

The cardinals took their first vote today for a new pope, but black smoke billowing above the Vatican's Sistine Chapel signaled the cardinals have not yet reached a majority.

Sistine Chapel chimney installed, Vatican prepares for new pope

On Saturday the chimney that signals the election of a new pope was installed on the top of the Sistine Chapel. Pope Benedict XVI's personal seal and fisherman's ring were also destroyed as the cardinals prepare for the start of the conclave Tuesday.

Pope Benedict bids emotional farewell

Amidst tens of thousands of supporters, Pope Benedict used his final weekly general audience to say goodbye. His resignation will become official at 8 p.m. Thursday. He will reside in the papal summer home for a couple of months before moving on to a quiet retirement in the Vatican Gardens. In the meantime, the Church's cardinals will pick a successor. 

Pope makes one of his final appearances, Rome braces for change (+video)

On Sunday, upward of 100,000 people attended a blessing by Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Square, one of the pope's final public appearances. Rome and Vatican City are bracing for large crowds of pilgrims and tourists expected for the election of the new pope. 

Pope Benedict XVI: A 'simple and humble worker' (+video)

Amidst a tearful crowd, Pope Benedict XVI led his final public mass on Wednesday at St. Peter's Basilica. He thanked those in the audience for their prayers. Breaking with tradition, he will retire this month to a life of prayer in a converted monastery. He will not play a role in the selection of his successor. 

Seeking company, finding community

Bored of the beach, a tourist attends a local church service.

Pope terror plot broken up with six arrests by British authorities

Pope terror plot allegedly involved five street cleaners who were picked up by police before dawn Friday in London. A sixth individual, implicated by authorities in the pope terror plot, was arrested later in the day.

Pope begs forgiveness, promises action on abuse

Pope Benedict XVI begged forgiveness Friday from victims and promised to "do everything possible" to protect children.

Should the Vatican have adopted US reforms on sex abuse?

Following revelations about sexual abuse, the Catholic Church in the United States adopted a policy of ‘zero tolerance’ and mandatory reporting. Could Pope Benedict XVI have avoided his current difficulties if the Vatican had taken the same path?

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