BLOG: Pope Benedict XVI
Thousands joyfully greet Pope Benedict XVI upon his arrival at Guanajuato International Airport, Mexico. Below we’ve provided a clip of the Holy Father’s arrival address, where he speaks of his desire “to confirm those who believe in Christ in their faith, by strengthening and encouraging them to revitalize their faith by listening to the Word ...read more
Upon Pope Benedict’s arrival at the International Airport of Guanajuato, Mexico the region has reason to celebrate. Although Blessed Pope John Paul II visited Mexico five times, he never went to Guanajuato – known as the most Catholic state of Mexico. In his opening address the Holy Father warmly greets the Mexican faithful as a ...read more
Earlier today, Pope Benedict XVI named Bishop Christian Lépine, Auxiliary Bishop of Montreal as Archbishop of Montreal. He will succeed His Eminence, Jean Claude Cardinal Turcotte.  Born in Montreal on Sept. 18, 1951, Christian Lépine was ordained a priest on Sept. 7, 1983. He studied theology at the University of Montreal and philosophy in Rome at ...read more
By Patricia Zapor Catholic News Service HAVANA (CNS) — The Catholic Church that Pope Benedict XVI will visit March 26-28 is, to put it simply, more. Since Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1998, the church is more unified, more public, more likely to work with the government in accomplishing specific goals, more involved in ...read more
Published below is the full homily of Archbishop Rowan Williams of Canterbury, as delivered during vespers with Pope Benedict XVI at the Basilica of St. Gregory on the Caelian Hill in Rome on March 10. Your Holiness, Dear brothers and sisters in Christ: It is a privilege to stand here, where my predecessors stood in ...read more
Below is Pope Benedict’s homily, as delivered at the Basilica of San Gregorio al Celio during vespers in Rome. On March 10 he presided at vespers, along with Archbishop Rowan Williams of Canterbury, leader of the Anglican Church. Your Grace, Dear Brother Bishops and Priests, Dear Monks and Nuns of Camaldoli, Dear Brothers and Sisters, ...read more
Join us in prayer for the intentions entrusted to us by Pope Benedict XVI.  For March 2012, we join the Holy Father in praying for: Contribution of Women. That the whole world may recognize the contribution of women to the development of society. Persecuted Christians. That the Holy Spirit may grant perseverance to those who ...read more
Photo: Basilica of Santa Sabina, Roman station church Countless Churches around the world, and here at home, have their own particular way of praying the Stations of the Cross during the liturgical season of Lent. Rome has its own special way of marking the season of Lent known as “Station churches.” These are churches appointed ...read more
I have many fond memories of the years I spent studying with the Benedictines in Collegeville, Minnesota. That Abbey-University combination is quite unique, and it fosters a really vibrant academic (and especially theological) atmosphere. Such a place tends to draw influential people to it, and so on more than one occasion – and often to ...read more
After an incredible mountain-top experience this past weekend, there continues to be a buzz in Rome. Earlier this morning, Cardinal Thomas Collins celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving in the Vatican crypt below St. Peter’s Basilica. He was joined by members of the Canadian delegation who accompanied him to Rome for the consistory celebrations. Reflecting upon ...read more