Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now

Religion and Faith

African papal contender wants change

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."

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Pope's resignation redefines papacy, spurs talk of 'global south' successor

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.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Pope's mission to revive faith clouded by scandal

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.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Pope's resignation surprises Minn. Catholics

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.
by Tim Nelson

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Around the world, Benedict's announcement catches many off guard

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.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Pope Benedict XVI resigning: Transcript

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.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Pope's bombshell sends troubled church scrambling

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.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Citing poor health, Pope Benedict says he will step down

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.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Catholic bishops press for broader birth control exemption

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.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Flags lowered for Four Chaplains Day

Gov. Mark Dayton has ordered state flags be flown at half-staff in honor of Immortal Four Chaplains Day.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!