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

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

The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has accepted on the 18 February 2013 the resignation of His Eminence Cardinal Keith Patrick O’Brien from the pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of Saint Andrews and Edinburgh.   This information will be announced and published in the Osservatore Romano of Monday 25 February 2013. The Cardinal had already presented ...read more