Religion and Faith

Papal conclave set to start Tuesday
Cardinals have set Tuesday as the start date for the conclave to elect the next pope, a milestone in this unusual papal transition.
Benedict becomes 1st pope in 600 years to resign
Benedict XVI become the first pope in 600 years to resign Thursday, ending an eight-year pontificate shaped by struggles to move the church past sex abuse scandals and to reawaken Christianity in an indifferent world.
Pope recalls 'joy,' difficulties in final audience
Pope Benedict XVI bid an emotional farewell Wednesday on the eve of his retirement, recalling moments of "joy and light" during his papacy, but also times of difficulty when "it seemed like the Lord was sleeping."
Minnesotan, retired Vatican reporter on pope's retirement
As the pope prepares to officially step down Thursday, one of the people in Rome for the events is Minnesota native and retired reporter John Thavis.
Benedict to be called 'emeritus pope,' will wear white
Pope Benedict XVI will be known as "emeritus pope" in his retirement and will continue to wear a white cassock, the Vatican announced Tuesday.
Roman Catholic priests should be allowed to marry and have children, Britain's most senior Catholic cleric said Friday.
Is getting a divorce too easy?
A recent New York Times "Room for Debate" takes a look at divorces and whether the process should be harder to deter people from breaking off marriages too easily.
Lawrence Wright on Scientology, 'Going Clear'
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Lawrence Wright takes a look at the religion through a number of characters, exposing some of the inner workings of the organization.
Pope's mission to revive faith clouded by scandal
Benedict XVI always cast himself as the reluctant pope, a shy bookworm who preferred solitary walks in the Alps to the public glare and the majesty of Vatican pageantry. But once in office, he never shied from charting the Catholic Church on the course he thought it needed -- a determination reflected in his stunning announcement Monday that he would be the first pope to resign since 1415.
St. Thomas' female president reflects trends in Catholic education
University of St. Thomas trustees have broken with tradition and named as woman as president-elect. Every previous president in the 128-year history of the school has been a Catholic priest.