Latest stories: Benedict XVI

Naming of Street after Pope Benedict XVI “brings hope to Burkina Faso, Africa”: Cardinal

The naming of the Ouagadougou where the Apostolic Nunciature in Burkina Faso is located after Pope emeritus Benedict XVI “brings hope” to the West African nation as well as the African continent, the Cardinal in the country has said.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI Marks 94th Birthday, in Good Health

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was born 94 years ago today in the town of Marktl, Bavaria. More than eight years after he announced his retirement from the papacy in 2013, Benedict continues to live a retired life in the Mater Ecclesiae monastery on Vatican grounds.

Benedict XVI "delighted" by Year of St. Joseph Proclaimed by Pope Francis

In a new interview, Pope emeritus Benedict XVI has expressed delight at the Year of St. Joseph declared by Pope Francis.

Algerian Archbishop Remembered for Courage, Love for Country Laid to Rest

The late Archbishop emeritus of Algiers in Algeria, Henri Teissier, who was laid to rest Wednesday, December 9 is being eulogized for his courage and love for the North African nation.

Benedict XVI’s Former 'Vatileaks' Butler Paolo Gabriele Dies at age 54

The papal butler who was pardoned by Benedict XVI for his role in the “Vatileaks” affair has died at the age of 54.

Australian Professor and French Philosopher win Ratzinger Prize

An Australian professor and a French philosopher were named the winners of this year’s Ratzinger Prize Oct. 1.

Young Catholic who Greeted Benedict XVI in Britain Becomes a Priest

Paschal Uche woke up early on the morning of Sept. 18, 2010, a day that would change his life. He needed to set off in good time in order to pass through security at the event he was attending in central London.

Vatican Secretary Stresses “spiritual consonance” Between Pope Francis and Benedict XVI

Cardinal Pietro Parolin has written an introduction to a book describing the continuity between Pope Francis and his predecessor Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's "illness is subsiding," His Secretary Says

Benedict XVI’s personal secretary Archbishop Georg Gänswein has said that the pope emeritus’ illness is “subsiding.”

Benedict XVI’s Brother Georg Ratzinger Has Died

Benedict XVI’s older brother Georg Ratzinger died Wednesday, just a little more than one week after the pope emeritus' visit.

Benedict XVI Hails John Paul II as ‘liberating restorer’ of Church

John Paul II was a “liberating restorer of the Church” in the turbulent years after the Second Vatican Council, Benedict XVI has said in a letter marking the 100th anniversary of the saint’s birth.

In New Biography, Benedict XVI Laments Modern "anti-Christian creed"

Modern society is formulating an “anti-Christian creed” and punishing those who resist it with “social excommunication,” Benedict XVI has said in a new biography, published in Germany May 4.

Vatican: Pope Francis not in Favor of Optional Priestly Celibacy

A Vatican spokesman said Monday that Pope Francis’ position on priestly celibacy is “known,” quoting the pontiff’s remarks in a January 2019 press conference, in which he said he does not agree with making priestly celibacy “optional” in the Latin rite.

Q&A with First African to Win Ratzinger Prize, Jesuit Fr. Paul Béré

The Ratzinger Prize has, over the years, been awarded to scholars whose contribution to theology is considered outstanding in the spirit of the German theologian, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger who became Pope Benedict XVI. Established in 2011, no African had ever featured among the winners of this prestigious prize. This year, Burkinabé Jesuit priest, Paul Béré made history as the first African ever to win the coveted prize. He will receive the award on November 9.

Concerns about Married Priests Expressed Ahead of Amazon Synod

Just days before the Amazon synod of bishops is to convene in Rome, a symposium of students of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI published a statement of concern regarding the possibility of married priests, a controversial topic of discussion at the upcoming synod.