Two of the 117 cardinals to elect the new pope, both who live outside Rome are in no rush for the Conclave to be convened. New York’s Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Chicago’s Cardinal Francis George have both expressed a little concern about the bringing the conclave forward. Cardinal George told reporters, Sunday after celebrating Mass, Read more
Pope Benedict may change Church rules governing the conclave where cardinals from around the world will meet next month to secretly elect his successor, the Vatican said on Wednesday. Benedict was studying the possibility of making changes to laws established by his predecessor Pope John Paul before he abdicates on February 28, a spokesman said. Read more
As Catholics, the media and people from all around the world try and digest Pope Benedict’s resignation, I think it’s fair to ask ‘why’, and ‘why now.’ Benedict says his health is not up to it. That seems fair. If the Pope says he’s not up to it, I think we have to believe him Read more
Anyone who believes Timothy Cardinal Dolan has a chance of becoming the next pope is smoking funny cigarettes — so says Dolan. At St. Patrick’s Cathedral yesterday, Dolan was asked about rumors that he would be named the first American pope when the College of Cardinals convenes next month to select Pope Benedict’s successor. “I’d Read more
The Vatican is considering calls from cardinals to hold a papal conclave earlier than planned, after Pope Benedict XVI steps down on 28 February. Church officials want a successor to be in place before the start of Holy Week on 24 March – the most important event in the Christian calendar. Under current rules, the Read more
Saying he is prepared to be pope, African Cardinal Peter Turkson may have damaged any ambitions he harbored about the papacy. According to Phil Lawler of Catholic Culture, the possibility that Cardinal Turkson will be elected Pope has become more remote with the publication of the Ghanian cardinal’s statement that he would be prepared to accept Read more
Yesterday I was stopped by one of my neighbours on our shared drive. Normally a full-of-life type person, she approached me cautiously with a kind of sad demeanour. “I’m sorry for the loss of your Mr Pope”, she said. Taken aback slightly, I didn’t quite know how to respond, and simply replied saying, “Thank you”. Read more
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, said Vatican spokesman Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi. Rather, the new Read more
Whoever takes the helm of the Vatican after the shock resignation of Benedict XVI will inherit a problem on his own doorstep. Home to more than a quarter of a billion Catholics, the headquarters of the Holy See, a wellspring of doctrine and a source of manpower that has helped make converts throughout the world, Read more
Vatican spokesman, Father Federico Lombardi, has given some details on the plans for the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, and for the conclave that will choose his successor. Pope Benedict will hold a final meeting with members of the College of Cardinals in the morning on February 28. His resignation will take effect that evening. Read more