Age matters: Popes elected as young as 24, as old as 81
When Pope Benedict XVI, 85, announced his resignation, he said that "both strength of mind and body are necessary" to carry out the papal ministry in the modern world.
Pope Benedict changes rituals for new pope’s inauguration
Pope Benedict XVI has ordered several changes to the Masses and liturgies that will mark the inauguration of the next pope's pontificate.
Canonist explains ‘rigid, highly formal’ rules for electing pope
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.
Newman Center celebrates first Mass at new church on Ash Wednesday
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 considering last-minute changes to conclave rules, Vatican says
Pope Benedict XVI is considering making some changes to the conclave rules and rituals before he leaves office Feb. 28, the Vatican spokesman confirmed.
Open Letter to Pope Benedict XVI
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.
USCCB provides resources, prayers for Pope Benedict, his successor
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.
‘Papabili’: Twelve to watch as cardinals gather in Rome
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.
With huge diocese, Brazilian cardinal uses variety of media to teach
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.
Italian cardinal holds center stage by leading Lenten retreat for pope
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.