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.
Tag: Popes
Why Pope Benedict XVI Resigned In 2013
The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI was the first resignation of a pope in six centuries.
Pope Benedict’s Life in Pictures
Here are a selection of images from Benedict’s long life.
Benedict XVI, First Modern Pope to Resign, Dies at 95
He defined a conservative course for the Roman Catholic Church, but his papacy was noted for his struggle with the clergy sexual abuse scandal and for his unexpected resignation.
Benedict: Pope for a Church in Crisis
Ian Fisher, The Times’s Rome bureau chief from 2004 to 2008, covered Pope Benedict XVI and remembers him as a brilliant theologian who led the Catholic Church through rough times.
Former Pope Benedict XVI Is ‘Very Ill,’ Francis Says
Francis called on the faithful to offer up support for his 95-year-old predecessor as the Vatican said that the retired pope’s health had deteriorated in recent hours.
Pope Francis’ Christmas Address Bemoans ‘Grave Famine of Peace’
Pope Francis urged the tens of thousands of faithful in St. Peter’s Square to pray for Ukraine and for others suffering in conflicts around the world.
Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican Power Broker Linked With Sex Abuse Cover-Ups, Dies at 94
He rose to the second-highest-ranking position in the Roman Catholic Church, but his reputation was stained by his handling of sex-abuse cases.
John Paul I, Pope for 33 Days in 1978, Will Be Beatified
Pope Francis approved a miracle attributed to the last Italian pope, bringing him a step closer to becoming a saint.
Pope Francis Undergoes Colon Surgery and Is Said to Be Doing Well
It is the first time that Francis has been admitted to a hospital since becoming pope in 2013.