Religion and Faith

Ash Wednesday: Pope celebrates last public Mass as pontiff
Pope Benedict XVI is celebrating his last public Mass as pontiff, presiding over Ash Wednesday services inside the packed St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
African papal contender wants change
One of Africa's brightest hopes to be the next pope, Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Turkson, says the time is right for a pontiff from the developing world, and that he's up for the job "if it's the will of God."
A worldwide Catholic conversation that many church-watchers say effectively stopped when Benedict XVI was elected pope eight years ago has been rekindled by his announced plan to resign at month's end.
Pope's mission to revive faith clouded by scandal
Once in office, Benedict 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.
Pope's resignation surprises Minn. Catholics
Pope Benedict XVI's surprise decision to step down for health reasons prompted both disappointment and hope among the Catholic faithful in Minnesota.
Shock, sadness and declarations of faith met Pope Benedict XVI's announcement Monday that he would retire Feb. 28. Here's a look at reaction from around the world.
Pope Benedict XVI announced Monday he would resign Feb. 28 because he is simply too old to carry on. Here is the text of his announcement, delivered to cardinals gathered for a ceremony to name three new saints.
Pope's bombshell sends troubled church scrambling
For the first time in nearly 600 years, a pope is resigning from his post as leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Pope Benedict XVI announced Monday morning that he is stepping down effective Feb. 28. With a few words in Latin, Pope Benedict VXI did Monday what no pope has done in half a millennium, announcing his resignation and sending the already troubled Catholic Church scrambling to replace the leader of its 1 billion followers by Easter.
Pope Benedict says his age and poor health are forcing him to step down at the end of this month. The 85-year-old pope made the surprising announcement today during a meeting of Vatican cardinals.
Catholic bishops press for broader birth control exemption
The nation's Roman Catholic bishops say the Obama administration's compromise plan for religious employers and birth control coverage doesn't go far enough.