In today’s snapshot, Pope Benedict waves to astronauts on the International Space Station after speaking with them from the Vatican via a video link May 21, 2011. The Holy Father asked the astronauts how science can help in the pursuit of peace and the need to protect a fragile planet. CNS photo description/L’Osservatore Romano ...read more

To some, the leadership of the Church represents a distant, shadowy club. The term “hierarchy” has been irreparably damaged, so loaded with connotations of stodgy elites isolated in plush curial offices. But those who actually know the leaders of our Church can see a very different image. The Cardinal Archbishop of Toronto, Thomas Collins, is ...read more

In today’s snapshot, Pope Benedict XVI delivers his blessing “urbi et orbi,” to the city of Rome and to the world, from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 25, 2010. CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano via Reuters ...read more

Joined by an estimated 80,000 pilgrims, Pope Benedict XVI prayed the Angelus today from his window overlooking St. Peter’s Square. In his address (translated into English in the video above), the Holy Father reflects on the temptation of Jesus in the desert. This is the second last Angelus address that the Pope will give before ...read more

In today’s snapshot, Pope Benedict XVI waves to pilgrims after a Mass held on Islinger Field near Regensburg, Germany, Sept. 12, 2006. In a sermon before an estimated 300,000 people, the pope said it was necessary to recognize the modern pathologies associated with reason and religion and the ways that “God’s image can be destroyed ...read more

Should we care for the holy sites? Or should we care about the Holy Sites? Whose responsibility is it to take care of them? Is it the local Church or the universal Church? In the Holy Land, the place where Jesus lived, there are many important and holy sites; as Catholics, is it our duty ...read more

Today’s snapshot comes from Pope Benedict’s Apostolic trip to England. Here, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth and Pope Benedict XVI exchange gifts in the Morning Drawing Room at the Royal Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland, Sept. 16, 2010. Pictured at left is Prince Philip. The pope was beginning his four-day state visit to Great Britain. CNS ...read more

Today’s snapshot comes from Pope Benedict’s Apostolic Voyage to Benin. In this photo Pope Benedict XVI kisses a child during his visit at the St. Rita Parish of Cotonou, Benin on November 19, 2011. – CNS photo/LOsservatore Romano via Catholic Press Photo ...read more

The following is an article taken from Vatican Radio, published on February 14. The original article can be found here (Vatican Radio) Pope Benedict XVI has met parish priests and clergy of the Diocese of Rome in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican. Led by Cardinal Vicar Agostino Vallini and auxiliary bishops, they greeted Benedict XVI ...read more

Watch Fr. Robert Barron’s new video on Pope Benedict’s Legacy. ...read more