Faith

Anybody who ever thought the Church never changes must have had another thought crash their party a year ago when Pope Benedict XVI stepped down from the throne of Peter.

The momentous occasion of Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation one year ago stands as an important moment in the life of the Catholic Church and in the life of the world. To his brother cardinals gathered in consistory on the morning of Feb. 11, he startled them, the Church and the entire world when he said that due to his advanced age and deteriorating health, he would be relinquishing his papacy.

VATICAN CITY - When Pope Benedict XVI announced, on Feb. 11, 2013, that he would become the first pope in nearly 600 years to resign, speculation was as varied as it was excited about the long-term consequences of his historic act. But one common line of thought held that, for better or worse, his decision might leave the papacy a less exalted and powerful office, bringing the supreme pontiff closer to the level of other bishops, clergy and faithful.

VATICAN CITY - As some 150 cardinals from around the world gathered with Pope Francis to talk about the family, their two days of discussion focused particularly on three points: the Christian vision of people and family life; essential pastoral programs to support families; and ministry to divorced and civilly remarried Catholics.

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis named a French, a Philippine and a Brazilian cardinal to serve as the three presidents of the extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family in October.

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis opened a major two-day meeting on the Church’s approach to the complexities of modern family life today, telling the world’s Catholic cardinals that the Church needs a “pastoral” approach that is “intelligent, courageous and full of love” and not focused on abstract arguments.

VATICAN CITY - High-level debates over Catholic teachings on marriage and divorce and other hot-button issues heated up today (Feb. 19) as a highly anticipated effort to overhaul the Vatican bureaucracy slogged through the devilish details of financial reform.

VATICAN CITY - When civil strife, conflict and bloodshed have pitted people of different ethnic groups against one another, reconciliation is particularly difficult, but it's still the only way to ensure a better future for all, Pope Francis told a large group of Sri Lankan pilgrims.

Did you hear that Pope Francis plans to call a Third Vatican Council? Or that he uncovered previously unknown Bible verses? Or that he sees the story of Adam and Eve as just a fable?