Papal Transition 2013

Pope Benedict XVI, 85, who has been considered a guardian of the faith, upholding the traditional teachings of the church leading the clergy in the defense of the faith, announced February 11, 2013 he is resigning as Bishops of Rome and Pope effective at the end of the month.

Regarded as one of the sharpest theologians in the church both before and during his pontificate, in person he was soft spoken and grandfatherly. It was those latter qualities that endeared him to the public although it didn't spare him controversy and negative media coverage.

“[I]n today’s world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the barque of St. Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me. For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of St. Peter, entrusted to me by the cardinals on 19 April 2005, in such a way, that as from 28 February 2013, at 20:00 hours, the See of Rome, the See of Saint Peter, will be vacant and a Conclave to elect the new Supreme Pontiff will have to be convoked by those whose competence it is.”

— Pope Bendict XVI, February 11, 2013


Feb 14, 2013 | Pope Benedict XVI speaks to priests of Rome about Vatican II

In his unscripted address in the Vatican's Paul VI Audience Hall, the Holy Father shares his experiences of the Second Vatican Council and the proper interpretation of the Council, which began 50 years ago. The Pope has announced that he will retire on Feb. 28.

Feb 24, 2013 | Pope Benedict XVI's final Angelus address

Pope Benedict XVI prays the Angelus on February 24, 2013. In his address, translated from Italian into English, the Holy Father reflects on the temptation of Jesus in the desert. This is the final Angelus address that the Pope will give before his retirement on Feb. 28.

Remembering Pope Benedict’s Resignation Five Years Later

by Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB
The momentous occasion of Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation five years ago on February 11, 2013, stands as an important moment in the life of the Catholic Church and in the life of the world. To his brother Cardinals gathered in consistory that February morning five years ago, he startled them, the Church and the entire world with these moving words:... read more

Pope Benedict Offers us Another Great Teaching: Humility

by Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB
Tuesday, Feb 12, 2013

"Benedict XVI Leaves the Papacy," reads the stunning headline of the Vatican's L'Osservatore Romano. Monday's announcement of Pope Benedict's resignation caught many in the Roman Catholic Church and the world by surprise. But perhaps it shouldn't have. Pope Benedict XVI submitted his resignation freely, in accordance with Canon 332 of the church's Code of Canon Law. It is an unprecedented decision in modern history and offers the church and the world a profound teaching moment. It is perfectly in line with one of the greatest teachers of the faith that the church has ever known... read more

Two last Vatican events of Pope Benedict XVI

Feb 27, 2013 | Benedict XVI's final General Audience

Feb 28, 2013 | The Departure of Pope Benedict XVI

Sede Vacante

Feb 28, 2013
Closing the doors of Castel Gandolfo

Benedict XVI's resignation officially took effect at 8:00 pm local time on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013. At this time, the doors of his residence at Castel Gandolfo were closed and the Swiss Guards were replaced by the Vatican gendarmerie.

March 1, 2013
Papal Transition: Special Feature with Cardinal Donald Wuerl

Sebastian Gomes speaks with Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, D.C. in Rome on the final day of Pope Benedict's Pontificate. The Cardinal shares his thoughts on Pope Benedict's departure, his lasting legacy, and the important characteristics of the new pope.

March 8, 2013
Papal Transitions with John Allen - Habemus Papabili

Few people understand the Vatican better than John Allen Jr., a Senior Correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter in Rome. Since Benedict announced his resignation, John has been doing his homework on the "papabili," or "papal candidates" who are most likely to succeed him. In these segments we look at some of the most dynamic Cardinals from around the world.

Inside the Conclave

March 8, 2013
The making of a pope
by CNS

Here's a look at what's expected to take place in the Sistine Chapel March 12, 2013 as 115 cardinals choose the next pope.

More on Pope Benedict XVI:

Pope Benedict XVI: A Lifelong Commitment to Ecumenism | One Body
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  Pope Benedict XVI: A Lifelong Commitment to Ecumenism by Sr. Donna Geernaert, SC   One day after his election to the papacy on April 19, 2005, Pope Benedict XVI addressed the College of Cardinals. He affirmed his commitment to the ecumenical agenda of his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, ...read more
Theology in Public: Reflections on the Social Teaching of Benedict XVI
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Gratitude for a generous gift. That is my overwhelming response to the life, ministry, and towering intellect of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. Gratitude for this foremost public theologian of the 20th and early 21st centuries. Gratitude for his tireless efforts to communicate the faith of the Church i ...read more
Pope Francis’ homily for the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
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On January 5, Pope Francis presided over the funeral Mass of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at St. Peter’s Square. Read below the full text of the homily he gave on this solemn occasion:   Homily of His Holiness Pope Francis St. Peter’s Square Thursday, 5 January 2023   “Father, ...read more
Catechesis on Discernment: Spiritual accompaniment
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In today’s catechesis on discernment, Pope Francis pays his respects to Benedict XVI and speaks on spiritual accompaniment and the Virgin Mary as a “great teacher of discernment.” Read the full text below: Dear brothers and sisters, good morning! Before beginning this catechesis, I ...read more
Spiritual Testament of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
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A year into his pontificate, Benedict XVI wrote his Spiritual Testament. He thanked God, his parents, and loved ones, and reflected on the insights and challenges of theology in the 20th century. The Vatican released it on the day he died, December 31, 2022. Read the full text below: Spiritual Testa ...read more
Statement from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops on the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
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Statement by Bishop Raymond Poisson, Bishop of St-Jérôme-Mont-Laurier and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops on the Passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI   Today, the Bishops of Canada join Pope Francis and all the People of God in mourning the loss of Pope Emeritus Bene ...read more
Thank you, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
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“The heart of Christianity is the Paschal mystery of [Christ’s] death and resurrection….The centre of it all is the triune God, and, therefore, love as the Alpha and Omega of the world. [In these statements] the self-same truth is indicated: sharing in the witness of Jesus by that dying which ...read more
O Oriens
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  Come, Radiant Dawn, splendour of eternal light, sun of justice: shine on those lost in the darkness of death!   Light, Liturgy and Time “The celebration of the birth of Christ [is] the dawning of the new light, the true sun, of history.” Pope Benedict XVI, The Spirit of the Liturgy,� ...read more
Stepping down: Experts draft proposed laws on status of a retired pope
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VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis’ plans to visit the central Italian city of L’Aquila and its basilica Aug. 28 fueled speculation of a possible announcement of his resignation, which he has firmly denied. L’Aquila’s basilica is the burial place of St. Celestine V, who ...read more
Letter of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI regarding the Report on Abuse in the Archdiocese of Munich-Freising
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Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI asks forgiveness for his failings in regard to the sexual abuse crisis in the Church. Read the full text. ...read more