Former Pope Benedict XVI plans to defend himself in a civil lawsuit. The lawsuit has been lodged at a German court by a man who accuses him of helping cover up historical abuse. Back in June, a so-called declaratory action was brought on behalf of a man, then 38-years old. The man said he was Read more
Experts are drafting proposed new laws on the status of a retired pope. In the 728 years that have passed since St Celestine established this legal precedent, the right of a pope to resign remains ensured in church law. The law is not very detailed, saying only that the decision must be made freely and Read more
Some users on social media are claiming a photograph shows Pope Francis wearing designer clothing. The image is incorrectly captioned: the photograph from 2007 shows his predecessor , Pope Benedict, in a white and golden outfit wearing red loafers.
The Vatican needs clear rules to govern the status of popes who resign in the future, according to Cardinal George Pell, a leading Roman Catholic conservative. Pell is one of the highest-ranking Church figures to speak publicly on the need for these new rules. The situation became an issue in 2013 when Pope Benedict, 93, Read more
Benedict, pope emeritus, has sent a short letter to the editor of the Italian news daily Il Corriere della Sera. The Pope emeritus was responding to the many inquiries from readers as to how he is spending “this last period of his life.” He says he is on a pilgrimage towards Home. Read more