Today Pope Benedict XVI marks seven years in St. Peter’s chair. Instead of receiving gifts, the Vatican gave a gift by launching a new widget. By using this interface it will be possible to access some of the most important content from the Vatican’s website on one’s own website. This new widget can be very ...read more

This week is a big week for Pope Benedict XVI. On Monday he turns 85 years old. Then on Thursday he marks seven years as pope. Join us this Sunday, April 15 for a special look at his papacy: his travels, his teachings, and the bridges he has sought to build. Seven Years with Pope ...read more

The Lebanese government and the Lebanese Bishop’s conference announced today that Pope Benedict will visit the country September 14 to 16. During the visit the Holy Father will celebrate Mass in Beirut, the nation’s capital, and hand over to the bishops of the Middle East his post-synodal exhortation for the Middle East. In October 2010 ...read more

In his homily during the Easter Vigil, Pope Benedict spoke of the fundamental goodness of creation; of matter; of Being itself. Just as in the beginning God said “Let there be light!” so again He says on Easter morning, “Let there be light!” – the resurrection of Christ – “God’s new day.” The Holy Father ...read more

The Mass of the Lord’s Supper recalls the institution of the Eucharist and the giving of a new commandment: “Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” (Jn 13:34)  In his homily from the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, Pope Benedict commented on the events which ...read more

In his homily during the Chrism Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica this morning – at which sacramental oils are blessed and priestly ordination promises are renewed – Pope Benedict XVI encouraged and challenged the Catholic priests of the world: “Does our consecration extend to the daily reality of our lives – do we operate as ...read more

When John Paul II visited Mexico on his first Apostolic Journey in 1979, he had to apply for a visitor’s visa as a private citizen and paid fines for wearing his clerical attire in public. When Pope Benedict XVI landed in Mexico last week, he was visiting a very different Mexico. First and foremost Pope ...read more

During his visit to Cuba last week Pope Benedict XVI met with Cuban President Raul Castro. During that visit the Holy Father made one request: that Good Friday be considered a public holiday in that country. A communique from Cuba’s state-run news service Granma published on Saturday, said Raul Castro had informed Pope Benedict his request ...read more

In his homily during the Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Benedict highlighted the great joy around Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem – “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming! Hosanna in the highest!” (MK 11:9-10)  The Holy ...read more

Join us in prayer for the intentions entrusted to us by Pope Benedict XVI. For April 2012, we join the Holy Father in praying for: Vocations. That many young people may hear the call of Christ and follow him in the priesthood and religious life. Christ, Hope for Africans. That the risen Christ may be ...read more