For centuries, the Vatican’s mighty prelates have wielded far more than spiritual power.
The Vatican
Popeology 101: How to Interpret the Sistine Chapel Results
The key to analyzing how the new Pope will rule may lie in the factions of Cardinals that come together to elect him
Pope Benedict XVI’s Legacy: Most Europeans Say He Was ‘Not Influential’ in New Poll
As Pope Benedict XVI steps down today as head of the Roman Catholic Church, a new survey shows that most people across Europe feel that the outgoing pontiff has made little difference to their lives.
Life After the Papacy: What Lies Ahead for the Pope Post-Abdication
Even as his resignation looms, many details of precedent and procedure remain unresolved — and that may cause problems in a church where the symbolic is often the same as the substantial
The Path of Pope Benedict XVI
Declaring that he lacks the strength to do his job, Pope Benedict XVI announced he will resign Feb. 28 – becoming the first pontiff to step down in 600 years. His decision sets the stage for a mid-March conclave to elect a new …