Photo courtesy of Servizio Fotografico of l’Osservatore Romano Cheridan Sanders and Sebastian Gomes receiving communion from Pope Benedict XVI at the Mass celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Second Vatican Council and the beginning of the Year of Faith – October 11, 2012 Cheridan Sanders and Sebastian Gomes are the hosts of Salt + Light’s ...read more

Published below is a copy of Pope Benedict’s address he gave yesterday in St. Peter’s Square. He introduced a new series of catechesis, meant to accompany the Church during the Year of Faith. Dear brothers and sisters, Today I would like to introduce a new series of catecheses that will be developed throughout the course ...read more

St. Peter’s Square – October 11, 2012 Below is Pope Benedict’s Homily from the inaugral mass for the Year of Faith and celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Second Vatican Council. Dear Brother Bishops, Dear brothers and sisters! Today, fifty years from the opening of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, we begin with great ...read more

Castel Gandolfo, on the Feast of Saint Eusebius, Bishop of Vercelli – August 2, 2012 Benedictus PP. XVI Source: http://www.osservatoreromano.va/ Fifty years ago, on October 11, 1962, Pope John XXIII opened the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council in St Peter’s Basilica It was a splendid day on 11 October 1962 when the Second Vatican Council opened with the ...read more

Pope Benedict XVI made a pastoral visit earlier today to the Marian Shrine of Loreto, in Italy. There, he entrusted the upcoming Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization and the Year of Faith to the Blessed Mother. Published below is a copy of the homily he delivered during Mass at the Shrine of Loreto. ...read more

Following a historic three-day visit to Lebanon, Pope Benedict is now on his way back to Rome. This was a very important trip for the 85-year old Pontiff. Despite increased tension and violence in the Middle East, he spent time meeting with government officials, signed the long-awaited Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Medio Oriente and met ...read more

One of the most significant moments of the Holy Father’s trip to Lebanon thus far has been the signing of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Eccleisa in Medio Oriente. He signed the message yesterday during his visit to the Melkite Catholic Basilica of St. Paul in Harissa. He then presented it to the people of Lebanon ...read more

Earlier today, Pope Benedict celebrated Mass and officially presented the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Medio Oriente at the City Centre Waterfront in Beirut. Published below are copies of his homily and Angelus, which followed the celebration of Mass. Dear Brothers and Sisters, “Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!” (Eph 1:3).  ...read more

Pope Benedict XVI is known to have a special place in his heart for young people. Following his meeting with government officials, he delivered an address to young people gathered on the square in front of the Maronite Patriarchate at Bkerke. Published below is a copy of his official text. Your Beatitude, Brother Bishops, Dear ...read more

On Day 2 of Pope Benedict’s trip to Lebanon, he met with members of the government, institutions of the Republic, the diplomatic corps, religious leaders and representatives of the world of culture. The meeting took place inside the Presidential Palace at Baabda. Below, you will find a copy of his address. Mr President, Dear Friends, ...read more