Pope Benedict announced earlier today in Rome that he will resign as Supreme Pontiff and Bishop of Rome on February 28th, 2013. Benedict, the 265th pope in the history of the Church, is the sixth German to serve as Supreme Pontiff and the first German since the 11th century. He became pope in 2005 – ...read more

“Open your hearts to the dimensions of the world…” Although we are aware of the many problematic situations, which also affect the area of faith and membership of the Church, we renew our faith in the youth, to reaffirm that the Church sees their condition, their cultures, as an essential and unavoidable point of reference ...read more

Join us in prayer for the intentions entrusted to us by Pope Benedict XVI. For February 2013, we join the Holy Father in praying for: Migrant Families. That migrant families, especially the mothers, may be supported and accompanied in their difficulties. Peace. That the peoples at war and in conflict may lead the way in ...read more

Salt + Light Television will broadcast a Mass of Thanksgiving for the canonization of Sts. Kateri Tekakwitha and Marianne Cope later today! Join us LIVE at 2:00 pm ET from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., where Mass will be celebrated by Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington. Archbishop ...read more

Do we really care about Christian unity? That was the challenging question posed by of one of my colleagues this morning, as he perceived a lack of interest in ecumenical issues in the Catholic community. His observation prompted a few questions of my own. Why might some Catholics feel that ecumenism isn’t a priority? And, ...read more

Message of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI Pontifical Council for Social Communications 47th World Communications Day Social Networks: portals of truth and faith; new spaces for evangelization Dear Brothers and Sisters, As the 2013 World Communications Day draws near, I would like to offer you some reflections on an increasingly important reality regarding the way in ...read more

Earlier today in Rome, Pope Benedict XVI baptized 20 babies inside the Sistine Chapel. There was an underlying tone in Benedict’s address this year. He urged couples and godparents to lead their lives as an example of true Christian virtue even though it may seem unfashionable. If you missed this morning’s festivities from Rome, join ...read more

Every year on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Pope Benedict takes part in a special tradition: he celebrates Mass in the Sistine Chapel with Vatican workers who have had babies in the last year. He also baptizes the new ones. This tradition originally began with Pope John Paul II in the first ...read more

In preparation for their meeting today, Archbishop Richard Smith of Edmonton, also President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), has written to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo. The aim of the letter was to assure them of the prayers and encouragement of Canada’s bishops. Published below is ...read more

On Sunday, January 6 Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Mass for the Epiphany of Our Lord at St. Peter’s Basilica. During the Mass he also ordained four archbishops, including his own personal secretary, Monsignor Georg Ganswein. Below is the full text of his homily. Dear Brothers and Sisters, For the Church which believes and prays, the ...read more