Benedict XVI Latest News

Read the latest news regarding the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, his life, and his legacy.

The Latest

Pope Benedict XVI Holds His Final General Audience, Feb. 27, 2013.

The silent reform of Benedict XVI's papacy

Feb 11, 2016

By Elise Harris

In his new book on Benedict XVI, Vatican journalist Marco Mancini argues that while the retired pontiff became known for... Read more

Pope Francis prays after opening the Holy Door in St. Peters Basilica Dec. 8, 2015 launching the extraordinary jubilee of mercy.

It’s time to rediscover God’s mercy, Pope says at Jubilee launch

Dec 8, 2015

By Ann Schneible

Pope Francis has officially commenced the Jubilee of Mercy, calling those who pass through the newly-opened Holy Door to rediscover... Read more

Pope Francis with Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at the Monastery of Mater Ecclesiae in Vatican City on June 30, 2015.

Benedict XVI will attend Holy Door opening at Vatican to start Year of Mercy

Dec 5, 2015

The Vatican has announced Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI will take part in the official inauguration of the Jubilee of Mercy... Read more

Bishop-elect Msgr. Steven Lopes greets Pope Francis during a Wednesday general audience. Photo courtesy of the Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter in the United States and Canada.

Pope names first Catholic bishop to oversee Anglican ordinariate

Nov 24, 2015

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis has appointed Msgr. Steven Lopes, a Catholic priest from California, as the new bishop who will head the... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI, May 11, 2010.

After a two-week vacation, Benedict XVI heads back to Rome

Jul 14, 2015

By Elise Harris

With two restful weeks outside of the Vatican behind him and two honorary doctorates in hand, Benedict XVI has again... Read more

Benedict XVI receives honorary doctorate from the Pontifical University of John Paul II and the Academy of Music in Krakow. Pool photo.

Receiving awards, Benedict XVI credits witness of John Paul II

Jul 4, 2015

By Elise Harris

After receiving an honorary doctorate from both the Pontifical John Paul II University of Krakow and the Krakow Academy of... Read more

Pope Francis and Benedict XVI at the Monastery of Mater Ecclesiae in Vatican City on June 30, 2015.

Francis wishes Benedict XVI a good summer in Castel Gandolfo

Jun 30, 2015

By Elise Harris

Before heading out for his two-week stay at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo this summer, retired pontiff Benedict XVI... Read more

Bishop Athanasius Schneider leads Benediction during the Summorum Pontificum Conference, at the Church of Ss. Dominic and Sixtus in Rome, June 13, 2015.

Summorum Pontificum Conference celebrates Benedict XVI's liturgical legacy

Jun 19, 2015

By Jan Bentz

The fourth annual Summorum Pontificum Conference was held last Saturday in Rome to promote the understanding and use of the... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI.

Benedict XVI's summer plans – rare public events and a visit to Castel Gandolfo

Jun 16, 2015

By Alan Holdren

Benedict XVI’s summer is set to be the most active since he stepped down from the pontificate in 2013, with... Read more

Benedict XVI greets Pope Francis during a consistory in St. Peter's Basilica, Feb. 22, 2014.

Will Francis build on Benedict's legacy when he visits the US?

May 17, 2015

By Matt Hadro

Pope Francis will remain within the tradition of previous papal visits to the U.S. when he comes to the east... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI, May 11, 2010.

On 88th birthday, Benedict XVI lauded for emphasis on mercy

Apr 16, 2015

By Elise Harris

The Vatican official charged with organizing the upcoming Jubilee for Mercy says the topic was the “heart” of Benedict XVI’s... Read more

Father Benedict (Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI) officially retired from the papacy two years ago today.

The Pope who became a pilgrim: Benedict's resignation remembered

Feb 28, 2015

By Ann Schneible

Two years after his historic resignation from the papacy, Benedict XVI's presence continues to be felt by those around him... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI, May 11, 2010.

How Benedict XVI and his 'scandalous' hero speak to the modern crisis

Feb 15, 2015

By Elise Harris

Theological giants Benedict XVI and one of his heroes – the controversial Cardinal Jean Danielou – have been hailed for... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI.

Two years into retirement, the legacy of Father Benedict endures

Feb 11, 2015

By Ann Schneible

Two years to the day since Pope Benedict XVI told the world of his historic decision to step down from... Read more

Benedict XVI.

The request of a retired pope – simply call me 'Father Benedict'

Dec 9, 2014

By Elise Harris

Rather than being called by his papal name “Benedict XVI,” the retired pontiff revealed that since his retirement he has... Read more

Benedict XVI at the General Audience in St. Peter's Square, Sept. 11, 2005.

Ratzinger's retraction: the fruit of 42 years of theological maturation

Dec 4, 2014

News broke weeks ago that a new volume of Benedict XVI's collected works was being released in German with an... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI celebrates the closing Mass of the Synod for the New Evangelization Oct 28, 2012.

Scholars: No, Benedict XVI doesn't support Kasper in Synod debates

Nov 25, 2014

By Carl Bunderson

A new volume of Benedict XVI's collected works includes an updated version of a 1972 essay in which he had... Read more

Msgr. Anthony Figueiredo exhanges a white, papal zucchetto with Benedict XVI at the Vatican on Nov. 7, 2014. Photo courtesy of Caritas in Veritate International.

Priest swaps clerical hats with a 'sharp, healthy' Benedict XVI

Nov 12, 2014

By Elise Harris

A priest who met and exchanged zucchettos with retired pontiff Benedict XVI last week marveled at the former pope's joy,... Read more

Pope Francis unveiled a new bust of Benedict XVI in the Vatican Gardens on Oct. 27, 2014.

Francis inaugurates bust of Benedict, emphasizes unity of faith, science

Oct 27, 2014

Addressing the Pontifical Academy of Sciences on Monday, Pope Francis unveiled a bust of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, lauding his... Read more

Retired pontiff Benedict XVI.

Benedict could attend Paul VI beatification, spokesman reveals

Oct 6, 2014

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Retired pontiff Benedict XVI may take part to Paul VI's beatification Mass Oct. 19, revealed Father Federico Lombardi, director of... Read more