The Cardinals gathered in General Congregation meetings in Rome wrote and send a telegram to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. Below is the text of that telegram. TO HIS HOLINESS POPE EMERITUS BENEDICT XVI CASTEL GANDOLFO THE CARDINAL FATHERS, GATHERED AT THE VATICAN FOR THE GENERAL CONGREGATIONS IN VIEW OF THE NEXT CONCLAVE, SEND YOU THEIR ...read more

Photo: Cardinal Marc Ouellet hosts Salt and Light’s Fr. Thomas Rosica (left) and Sebastian Gomes (right) at his apartment at the Vatican on Saturday. Cardinal Marc Ouellet, the current Prefect of the Congregation of Bishops and a native of Lamotte, Quebec sat down with Peter Mansbridge at the Vatican for an exclusive pre-conclave interview on ...read more

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. ...read more

In today’s snapshot, Pope Benedict washes the foot of a priest during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome April 5, 2012. The foot-washing ritual reflects the call to imitate Christ by serving one another. CNS/Stefano Spaziani ...read more

When the Swiss Guards closed the door to the palace at Castel Gandolfo, signifying the absence of a pope, three cardinals were left with the task of guiding the church until a new pope is elected. The Camerlengo, or Chamberlain, begins his work when the See of Peter is vacant. When a Pope dies, the ...read more

In today’s snapshot, Pope Benedict pets a lion cub during an audience with circus performers and music bands in Paul VI hall at the Vatican Dec. 1, 2012. CNS photo/Paul Haring ...read more

Watch Pope Benedict’s message to English speaking faithful at his final general audience, held today in St. Peter’s Square. ...read more

Published below is a translation of the address that Pope Benedict just delivered in an open-air celebration in St. Peter’s Square. In this moving address to the Church and to the world, he reflected on the past eight years of his papacy and his decision to resign and commit himself to the Church through prayer. ...read more

In today’s snapshot, Pope Benedict takes in the panoramic view from Mount Nebo in Madaba, Jordan, May 9, 2009. Mount Nebo is where Moses glimpsed the Promised Land before dying. The pope was making a week-long pastoral visit to the Holy Land. CNS photo/Greg Tarczynski ...read more

On Wednesday, Pope Benedict takes part in his final General Audience. S+L’s Kris Dmyrenko will bring you live coverage at 4:30 am ET / 1:30 am PT.  If that’s too early in the morning for you, you catch our encore presentation at 1:00 pm ET / 10:00 am PT. Visit S+L’s special Benedict XVI website ...read more