On Ash Wednesday, pope preaches on humility, Christian unity

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Celebrating what was expected to be the last public liturgy of his pontificate two weeks before his resignation, Pope Benedict...

Pope Benedict thanks faithful, asks them to pray for next pope

At his first public appearance since he announced that he would resign at the end of February, Pope Benedict XVI thanked the faithful for their love and prayers and asked them to pray for his successor.

Ex-ambassador to Vatican lauds pope’s grace, courage, wisdom, humility

Pope Benedict XVI's decision to resign Feb. 28 "was taken with much grace, courage, wisdom and humility," said the most recent U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, Miguel Diaz.

Lent: Why we fast and offer acts of penance

The 40 days that stretch between Ash Wednesday and the onset of the Easter Triduum on Holy Thursday are set aside each year as a way for the faithful to draw closer to God through prayer, fasting, almsgiving and acts of penance.

Cardinal Arinze: Pope’s resignation was a ‘surprise, like thunder’

Pope Benedict XVI's decision to resign the papacy was a "surprise, like thunder that gives no notice that it's coming," said one of the cardinals who was in the room when the pope announced his decision Feb. 11.

Hundreds gather for Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference

Worry is a sin and it demonstrates a lack of trust in God, Fr. Bill Halbing said Feb. 8 at the Phoenix Convention Center during the “Let God Arise” Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference.

Baltimore archbishop promotes religious liberty among Catholic business leaders

Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore brought his message of religious liberty to a group yearning to hear it: Catholic business leaders and their spouses.

Pope Benedict has made 24 trips outside Italy during pontificate

Although traveling the globe was a hallmark of Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, who when elected was not expected to do too much traveling, logged a lot of miles during his own pontificate.

Cardinal O’Brien says pope’s resignation is teaching moment

The retirement of Pope Benedict XVI and the election of a new pope "is a unique moment for teaching about the role of the papacy and the individual involved," said U.S. Cardinal Edwin F. O'Brien.

Benedict will be prayerful presence in next papacy, spokesman says

Even though Pope Benedict XVI will spend his retirement near Rome and then inside Vatican City, he will not play any role in the upcoming election for a new pope, and he will not interfere with the responsibilities and decision-making activities of the new pontiff, the Vatican spokesman said.