Vatican

Vatican

Benedict's admirers flock to Vatican to pay their respects

The remains of former Pontiff Benedict XVI will lie in state at St Peter's Basilica for another two days before his funeral takes place on Thursday.

03/01/2023

Vatican

Pope Benedict XVI criticised over lack of action on church sex abuse

For many years, the Catholic Church has faced claims of sex abuse by clergy. With the recent passing of former Pope Benedict XVI, who was pontiff between 2005-2013, many online groups are sharing mixed reactions to his life and papal legacy.

02/01/2023

Vatican

Thousands line up to pay their respects to Pope Benedict XVI

Thousands of people have been queuing to pay their last respects to the late Pope Benedict XVI, whose remains are lying in state at St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.

02/01/2023

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Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI lies in state at St. Peter's Basilica

Thousands of people have paid their respects to the late Pope Benedict XVI, whose remains are lying in state at St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.

02/01/2023

Vatican

Ex-pope to lie in state at Vatican's St Peter's Basilica

Pope Francis will lead the funeral of his predecessor on Thursday after a period of mourning. Former Pope Benedict XVI will first lie in state at St. Peter's Basilica for three days

02/01/2023

Vatican

'Noble and kind': Pope Francis pays tribute to late Benedict XVI

Remembrance services were held in Benedict XVI's native Germany to commemorate the life and service of the former Pope.

31/12/2022

Vatican

European leaders pay tribute to former Pope Benedict XVI

Benedict XVI "worked with soul and intelligence for a more fraternal world," wrote French President Emmanuel Macron.

31/12/2022

Vatican

Benedict XVI: The first pope in over 600 years to resign

In February 2013, the then Pope Benedict XVI shocked the world. He became the first pontiff since 1415 to resign from the role, leading the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics.

31/12/2022

Vatican

Pope Francis leads tributes to former Pope Benedict, who died age 95

Benedict died on Saturday morning in the monastery in the Vatican gardens where he had retired.

31/12/2022

Vatican

Pope Francis asks faithful to pray for 'very ill' Benedict XVI

The Vatican has announced that retired ex-pope Benedict is in a "serious" but "stable" condition.

28/12/2022

Vatican

Pope Francis calls for end to 'senseless' war in Ukraine

In his traditional Urbi et Orbi address, the Pope expresses sorrow over "the icy winds of war".

25/12/2022

Vatican

Pope uses Christmas Urbi et Orbi message to lament 'icy winds of war'

The traditional Christmas Day message was delivered from the main balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican.

25/12/2022

Vatican

'Elegant demon': Pope warns Vatican workers over sense of superiority

The leader of the Catholic Church criticised Vatican bureaucrats, telling the Holy See faithful that they "could easily fall into the temptation" of acting holier than thou or feeling like they are better than the rest.

23/12/2022

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Pope pays tribute to Ukraine children on 86th birthday

"Many children suffer due to the war and also suffer due to other injustices. If the Lord is giving us this joy to celebrate Christmas together and in peace let’s think about those who suffer and let’s pray for them,” Pope Francis said.

18/12/2022

Vatican

Pope Francis signed resignation letter in 2013 in case of bad health

Francis, who turned 86 on Saturday and appears to be in good health except for a knee ailment, made the comment in an interview with a Spanish newspaper.

18/12/2022

Vatican

'A defeat for humanity': Pope cries during prayer over Ukraine war

The Pontiff was applauded by the crowd after breaking down and crying during a public prayer in central Rome, where he called for peace in Ukraine.

09/12/2022

Vatican

New book delves into Swiss Guards’ murders

The mother of a Swiss Guard member accused of committing one of the most sensational crimes in recent Vatican history – fatally shooting his commander and the senior officer's wife before killing himself -- is turning to the UN and Pope Francis in hope of finding some closure.

02/12/2022

Vatican

Vatican hit by suspected cyber attack

The alleged cyber attack comes days Pope Francis criticised Russia's invasion of Ukraine, provoking Moscow's ire.

01/12/2022

Vatican

Pope Francis sacks leadership of Vatican-based charity

The Pontiff's shock move targeted the chiefs of Caritas Internationalis (CI), a Catholic charity confederation with more than a million employees and volunteers around the world

22/11/2022

Vatican

Vatican to investigate French cardinal who admitted abusing teenager

The prosecutor's office in Marseille opened a preliminary investigation for "aggravated sexual assault" against Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard on Tuesday.

11/11/2022

Vatican

Pope Francis decries nuclear war risk in Ukraine

The Pope said peace in Europe had been “trampled upon” at an ecumenical event in Rome.

26/10/2022

Vatican

French President Macron meets Pope Francis in Rome

The two leaders are believed to have discussed the Ukraine war and peace prospects

25/10/2022

Vatican

Pope Francis clearly denounced Russia's war in Ukraine, says Vatican

The pontiff was heavily criticised for his comments following the death of Daria Dugina in a car bomb attack, referring to her as a "poor girl".

30/08/2022

Vatican

Pope Francis creates 20 new cardinals who may choose his successor

Sixteen of the 20 new cardinals are under the age of 80, and therefore eligible to vote for the next pope.

27/08/2022

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Climate activists protest at Vatican Museums

Two members of the group "Ultima Generazione", stuck themselves to a famous statue in the Vatican Museum.

18/08/2022

Vatican

Pope Francis may meet the 'pro-war' leader of Russia's Orthodox Church

The EU accuses Patriarch Kirill of supporting Russia's war in Ukraine.

01/08/2022