The Catholic Sun

The voting by cardinals to elect the next pope takes place behind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel, following a highly detailed procedure that underwent major revisions by Blessed John Paul II and a small, but very significant change, by Pope Benedict XVI.

Years of hard work led to the first Mass celebrated in the church serving All Saints Catholic Newman Center on the Arizona State University campus.

Pope Benedict XVI is considering making some changes to the conclave rules and rituals before he leaves office Feb. 28, the Vatican spokesman confirmed.

With filial affection and deep gratitude, I greet you in my own name and the name of my Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo A. Nevares and all the clergy, religious and laity of the Diocese of Phoenix, and I assure you of our best wishes and prayers as you prepare for retirement from the duties of the Petrine ministry.

To help dioceses, parishes and other groups pray for Pope Benedict XVI and for the selection of a new pope, the Secretariat of Divine Worship of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has provided liturgical and musical resources as well as specific prayers.

Wherever journalists and bookmakers may be getting the names on their lists of top candidates for the next pope, it's not from the cardinals who will actually vote in the election. Both custom and canon law forbid the cardinals to discuss the matter in such detail with outsiders.

Brazilian Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer of Sao Paulo, 63, heads Brazil's largest diocese and ministers in one of the most populous cities in the world.

The Italian cardinal leading Pope Benedict XVI's Lenten retreat was tweeting and podcasting his reflections, signaling that detachment from the outside world doesn't have to mean a total media blackout.

Students throughout the Diocese of Phoenix spent Catholic Schools Week Jan. 27-Feb. 2 celebrating the gift of faith-filled classes. They attended Mass, participated in days of appreciation for parents, volunteers and teachers, and found ways to thank legislators and taxpayers who sustain their education.

SCOTTSDALE — Top-ranking Catholic business leaders spent three days at the Phoenician strengthening each other in their resolve to remain authentically Catholic in the marketplace.