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

In today’s snapshot, Pope Benedict meets with Cuba’s former President Fidel Castro at the apostolic nunciature in Havana March 28, 2012. CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano via Reuters ...read more

We started looking at the papacy and some history as explained in the In Your Faith episode, Who is the Pope? and then last time we looked at why we have popes. Today, let’s continue with some interesting facts about the papacy. As soon as a pope dies, all cardinals under the age of 80 ...read more

In today’s snapshot, Pope Benedict greets the crowd at the conclusion of the Way of the Cross in Plaza de Cibeles during World Youth Day in Madrid Aug. 19, 2011. CNS photo/Paul Haring ...read more