The Vatican said the 86-year-old pontiff was taken to a hospital in Rome, where he was being treated for a respiratory infection.
Author: JASON HOROWITZ and ELISABETTA POVOLEDO
With Benedict’s Death, an Unprecedented Moment for the Modern Church
Benedict stunned the Roman Catholic world by becoming the first pope in nearly 600 years to resign. Now his death leaves a living pope presiding over the funeral of his predecessor.
As They Console Coronavirus’s Victims, Italy’s Priests Are Dying, Too
Doctors and nurses on the front line have become symbols of sacrifice, but priests and nuns have also joined the fight, often at great risk.
Europe Confronts Coronavirus as Italy Battles an Eruption of Cases
The country announced more than 150 cases, many in the densely populated region around Milan, as officials closed schools and canceled Venice’s carnival celebrations.
Pope Francis Sets Aside Proposal on Married Priests
The decision, in a letter on Catholic life in remote Amazon areas, is a victory for conservative forces who had warned that change there would put the church on a slippery slope.
Italy Election Deals Blow to Nationalist Leader Salvini
Regional voting thwarted an effort by Matteo Salvini to set off the government’s collapse and return to power as head of the anti-migrant League party.
Two Popes, and One Big Furor After Benedict Weighs in on Priestly Celibacy
In a new book, the former pope makes a firm defense of celibacy for priests as Pope Francis is expected to decide whether to allow married priests in remote regions. Let the intrigue begin.
Vatican Rejects Notion That Gender Identity Can Be Fluid
In its first extensive document on gender theory, the Vatican argued that ignoring differences between men and women posed a threat to families.
Italy’s Prime Minister Delivers Ultimatum to Warring Coalition Partners
Giuseppe Conte told the populist government’s battling coalition partners that if they didn’t stop paralyzing the government, he would quit and bring the government down with him.
Pope Issues Law, With Penalties, for Vatican City to Address Sexual Abuse
The highly anticipated law is intended to be a model for the Roman Catholic Church worldwide, but critics say it does not go far enough.