The Catholic Sun

For a Catholic so aware of the importance of tradition, even traditions with a small "t," Pope Benedict XVI had to know he was setting a precedent by resigning.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Celebrating what was expected to be the last public liturgy of his pontificate two weeks before his resignation, Pope Benedict...

At his first public appearance since he announced that he would resign at the end of February, Pope Benedict XVI thanked the faithful for their love and prayers and asked them to pray for his successor.

Pope Benedict XVI's decision to resign Feb. 28 "was taken with much grace, courage, wisdom and humility," said the most recent U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, Miguel Diaz.

The 40 days that stretch between Ash Wednesday and the onset of the Easter Triduum on Holy Thursday are set aside each year as a way for the faithful to draw closer to God through prayer, fasting, almsgiving and acts of penance.

Pope Benedict XVI's decision to resign the papacy was a "surprise, like thunder that gives no notice that it's coming," said one of the cardinals who was in the room when the pope announced his decision Feb. 11.

Worry is a sin and it demonstrates a lack of trust in God, Fr. Bill Halbing said Feb. 8 at the Phoenix Convention Center during the “Let God Arise” Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference.

Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore brought his message of religious liberty to a group yearning to hear it: Catholic business leaders and their spouses.

Although traveling the globe was a hallmark of Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, who when elected was not expected to do too much traveling, logged a lot of miles during his own pontificate.

The retirement of Pope Benedict XVI and the election of a new pope "is a unique moment for teaching about the role of the papacy and the individual involved," said U.S. Cardinal Edwin F. O'Brien.