pope

Pope sends telegram to Methodist

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has sent a message to the Methodist and Waldensian (Valdese) churches on occasion of their 24-29 August Synod in Torre Pellice, Turin, Italy. The telegram, signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin on behalf of the Holy Father, offers the Pope’s “fraternal” welcome and assures participants of his spiritual closeness as they undertake their discussion... »

TIME: Pope Benedict XVI To Resign at End of Month

TIME: Pope Benedict XVI To Resign at End of Month

(VATICAN CITY) — Pope Benedict XVI announced Monday that he would resign on Feb. 28 because he was simply too infirm to carry on — the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. The decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March. The 85-year-old pope announced his decision in Latin during a meeting of Vatican cardinals on Monday morning. He emphasized that carr... »

Wagering on a new pope?

Wagering on a new pope?

It’s not just the future of the Catholic Church riding on the selection of the next pope. More than 20,000 people have bet hundreds of thousands of dollars on the papal change and international bookmakers expect that dollar figure to quickly move into the millions. Just two hours after Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation, Irish bookmaker Paddy Power was out with their odds and within... »

Pope Francis says atheists go to heaven

Pope Francis has good news for atheists. Jesus died and was raised for them as well. His redemptive embrace was for all, not just a chosen few.The choice to accept its reach is our own. The Holy Father was not teaching anything new. In fact, this hope that all who do not yet know God are not only capable of doing good – but will progress toward that knowledge of God by doing good – is ... »