The Vatican is raising the possibility that the conclave to elect the next pope might start earlier than March 15, the earliest date possible under current rules that require a 15-20 day waiting period after the papacy becomes vacant. Vatican spokesman The Rev. Federico Lombardi said top officials can study the Holy See’s constitution to determine whether such a rule change is possible. The ... »
Diplomatic Note was issued to Vatican just prior to his resignation New Pope and Catholic clergy face indictment and arrest as “Easter Reclamation” plan continues A Global Media Release and Statement from The International Tribunal into Crimes of Church and State Brussels: The historically unprecedented resignation of Joseph Ratzinger as Pope this week was compelled by an upcoming acti... »
Rome (CNN) — Catholic cardinals have met for a second day Tuesday at the Vatican, but have not yet set a timetable for selecting a new pope. A total of 110 out of the 115 cardinal-electors, those younger than 80 who are eligible to elect the pope, are now in Rome, Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi said Tuesday. The five cardinal-electors who have not yet arrived have been in touch... »
Monday’s resignation of Joseph Ratzinger—Pope Benedict XVI—as head of the Catholic Church provoked statements of surprise and concern within ruling circles internationally. These sentiments expressed by US President Barack Obama, British Prime Minister David Cameron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and many others were not motivated fundamentally by any p... »