Papal Transition 2013
Pope Benedict XVI, 85, who has been considered a guardian of the faith, upholding the traditional teachings of the church leading the clergy in the defense of the faith, announced February 11, 2013 he is resigning as Bishops of Rome and Pope effective at the end of the month.
Regarded as one of the sharpest theologians in the church both before and during his pontificate, in person he was soft spoken and grandfatherly. It was those latter qualities that endeared him to the public although it didn't spare him controversy and negative media coverage.
“[I]n today’s world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the barque of St. Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me. For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of St. Peter, entrusted to me by the cardinals on 19 April 2005, in such a way, that as from 28 February 2013, at 20:00 hours, the See of Rome, the See of Saint Peter, will be vacant and a Conclave to elect the new Supreme Pontiff will have to be convoked by those whose competence it is.”
— Pope Bendict XVI, February 11, 2013
Regarded as one of the sharpest theologians in the church both before and during his pontificate, in person he was soft spoken and grandfatherly. It was those latter qualities that endeared him to the public although it didn't spare him controversy and negative media coverage.
“[I]n today’s world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the barque of St. Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me. For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of St. Peter, entrusted to me by the cardinals on 19 April 2005, in such a way, that as from 28 February 2013, at 20:00 hours, the See of Rome, the See of Saint Peter, will be vacant and a Conclave to elect the new Supreme Pontiff will have to be convoked by those whose competence it is.”
— Pope Bendict XVI, February 11, 2013
Feb 14, 2013 | Pope Benedict XVI speaks to priests of Rome about Vatican II
In his unscripted address in the Vatican's Paul VI Audience Hall, the Holy Father shares his experiences of the Second Vatican Council and the proper interpretation of the Council, which began 50 years ago. The Pope has announced that he will retire on Feb. 28.Feb 24, 2013 | Pope Benedict XVI's final Angelus address
Pope Benedict XVI prays the Angelus on February 24, 2013. In his address, translated from Italian into English, the Holy Father reflects on the temptation of Jesus in the desert. This is the final Angelus address that the Pope will give before his retirement on Feb. 28.Remembering Pope Benedict’s Resignation Five Years Later
by Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB
The momentous occasion of Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation five years ago on February 11, 2013, stands as an important moment in the life of the Catholic Church and in the life of the world. To his brother Cardinals gathered in consistory that February morning five years ago, he startled them, the Church and the entire world with these moving words:... read more
Pope Benedict Offers us Another Great Teaching: Humility
by Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSBTuesday, Feb 12, 2013
"Benedict XVI Leaves the Papacy," reads the stunning headline of the Vatican's L'Osservatore Romano. Monday's announcement of Pope Benedict's resignation caught many in the Roman Catholic Church and the world by surprise. But perhaps it shouldn't have. Pope Benedict XVI submitted his resignation freely, in accordance with Canon 332 of the church's Code of Canon Law. It is an unprecedented decision in modern history and offers the church and the world a profound teaching moment. It is perfectly in line with one of the greatest teachers of the faith that the church has ever known... read more
Two last Vatican events of Pope Benedict XVI
Feb 27, 2013 | Benedict XVI's final General Audience
Feb 28, 2013 | The Departure of Pope Benedict XVI
Sede Vacante
Feb 28, 2013
Closing the doors of Castel Gandolfo
Benedict XVI's resignation officially took effect at 8:00 pm local time on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013. At this time, the doors of his residence at Castel Gandolfo were closed and the Swiss Guards were replaced by the Vatican gendarmerie.
March 1, 2013
Papal Transition: Special Feature with Cardinal Donald Wuerl
Sebastian Gomes speaks with Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, D.C. in Rome on the final day of Pope Benedict's Pontificate. The Cardinal shares his thoughts on Pope Benedict's departure, his lasting legacy, and the important characteristics of the new pope.
March 8, 2013
Papal Transitions with John Allen - Habemus Papabili
Few people understand the Vatican better than John Allen Jr., a Senior Correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter in Rome. Since Benedict announced his resignation, John has been doing his homework on the "papabili," or "papal candidates" who are most likely to succeed him. In these segments we look at some of the most dynamic Cardinals from around the world.
Inside the Conclave
March 8, 2013
The making of a popeby CNS
Here's a look at what's expected to take place in the Sistine Chapel March 12, 2013 as 115 cardinals choose the next pope.
More on Pope Benedict XVI:
In 2010, Pope Benedict wrote a Pastoral Letter to the Catholics of Ireland on the subject of sexual abuse. Today it remains as relevant as ever. ...read more
Read Fr. Thomas Rosica's reflection on the readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time. ...read more
Read the full text of Pope Francis’ preface of Benedict’s works: A compass to Understand our Present day. Curtesy of Aleteia Magazine. ...read more
The final lessons of John XXIII and Benedict XVI G.K. Chesterton once wrote: “It is of the new things that men tire… of fashions and proposals and improvements and change. It is the old things that startle and intoxicate. It is the old things that are young.” This was the paradoxic ...read more
Father Thomas Rosica interviews CBC's Peter Mansbridge after Pope Benedict's surprise resignation & prior to the Papal Conclave that elected Pope Francis ...read more
Sebastian Gomes speaks with Cardinal Donald Wuerl about Pope Benedict XVI, his resignation, and the Papal Transition to Pope Francis. ...read more
By Sebastian Gomes, Special to CNN In hindsight we see how calculated Benedict’s thinking was, and not only about his resignation. He called an unexpected consistory to be held on November 24 in which he created six new cardinals, none of them coming from Europe. That came nine months after the pr ...read more
The momentous occasion of Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation five years ago on February 11, 2013, stands as an important moment in the life of the Catholic Church and in the life of the world. To his brother Cardinals gathered in consistory that February morning five years ago, he startled them, the ...read more
Pope Benedict XVI delivered his final public homily on February 13, 2013 during Ash Wednesday Mass, just days after announcing his resignation. Here is the full homily. Venerable Brothers, Dear Brothers and Sisters! Today, Ash Wednesday, we begin a new Lenten journey, a journey that extends over for ...read more
“I am Joseph, your brother.” A Reflection by Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB “Benedict XVI Leaves the Papacy,” reads the stunning headline of the Vatican’s L’Osservatore Romano. Monday’s announcement of Pope Benedict’s resignation caught many in the Roman Catho ...read more