Topic: Vatican City

Making nice? Argentina's Kirchner and Pope Francis meet in Rome (+video)

Beneath the cordial meeting today between new Pope Francis and President Kirchner lies a rocky and strained relationship that stretches back to 2004.

In interviews, new Pope Francis confirms commitment to poor

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. 

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 Benedict XVI worked 18-hour days doing what, exactly?

Pope Benedict XVI's replacement will follow in the grueling footsteps of the emeritus pontiff and his predecessor, Pope John Paul II. How do popes fill their long days?

Benedict resigns papacy: 'I am simply a pilgrim'

Benedict is keeping his papal name and white robes, along with the title 'Emeritus Pope,' but he has pledged his loyalty to his successor.

Global News Blog Benedict XVI pledges support to successor on his last day as pope (+video)

Some 118 cardinals will commence a closed door gathering to select the next pope in the coming weeks.

Pope Benedict departs from script slightly in penultimate appearance

Benedict gave his pontificate's final Sunday blessing today. He has one more public appearance, a general audience later this week in St. Peter's Square.

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. 

Pope pardons Vatican butler

Paolo Gabriele, the pope's former major-domo, was convicted of leaking confidential documents.  The Pope pardoned him after a meeting at the Vatican jail.

Global News Blog Boy or girl, Kate's royal offspring likely to reign - eventually

The centuries-old tradition that gave male children precedence in succession to the British throne has been scrapped, with a new gender-equal law coming soon.

Global first: Brit visits all 201 states without flying

Graham Hughes says Iraq and Afghanistan were easy. Islands like Nauru were the real challenges.

Pope's butler faces trial for leaking documents

Pope Benedict's former butler will be tried on an aggravated theft charge over leaking documents claiming corruption in the Vatican. There is also a computer expert charged with involvement in the case.

Palestinian UN bid: key moves to watch for

At this year’s annual meeting the United Nations General Assembly in New York, one of the most high-profile issues is the Palestinian statehood bid. What is it, and how will it unfold?
09/20/2011 04:16 pm

A public school for the brightest

A Nevada public academy is making new inroads on working with gifted students and getting the most out of them.
08/31/2011 02:37 pm

In Pictures The Dalai Lama's career

Vatican bank probed by Italian police investigating money-laundering

Vatican bank: The Vatican said it was "perplexed and surprised" by the investigation.
09/21/2010 03:23 pm

Life on Saturn moon? Earth's asphalt lakes hint at possibility of life on Titan

If alien life were found on Titan it may be of a different origin than our own.
05/10/2010 12:09 pm

Top Picks: 'Afghan Star,' Sistine Chapel, 1% Music, and other recommendations

Insightful 'Afghan Star' on DVD, the Sistine Chapel up close online, 1% Music compilation to help save the planet, and more top picks.
04/07/2010 08:29 pm

Earth Hour 2010 aims to get 1 billion to turn off the lights

For this year's Earth Hour, set for 8:30 p.m. Saturday, more businesses and governments are expected to take part in the campaign to turn off the lights. The aim: at least 1 billion participants.
03/27/2010 11:55 am

Why is Vatican paper reviewing Avatar, the Simpsons?

L’Osservatore Romano, the famously staid semi-official mouthpiece of the Catholic Church, has been seeking to remake its image, panning the blockbuster 'Avatar' but praising Homer Simpson and forgiving John Lennon for his 'more popular than Jesus' comment.
01/12/2010 02:19 pm

In Europe, same-sex showdown moves to UN

The Vatican fears the EU effort might open the door to gay marriage. The US is staying silent.
12/10/2008 12:00 am

Where are all these countries coming from?

The Monitor's language columnist looks at marketers' artful use of the term 'countries' to make it seem as though they're serving more of them.
12/05/2008 12:00 am

Review: 'Religulous'

Bill Maher's documentary skewers religion but chooses laughable targets to make his point.
10/04/2008 01:00 am

In China, he builds bridges with music

Yu Long, conductor of the China Philharmonic Orchestra, reaches across an old cultural divide.
05/16/2008 01:00 am