Pope Benedict XVI

Even the Pope Has Begun Calling for a Palestinian State
Last week, a taboo was broken when Israel’s nuclear weapons were referred to in public and now the Pope says "millions" died in the holocaust rather than "six million" – and those vicious slaps in the face are just too much for some to take.

Pope Makes First Trip to U.S. After Pedophile Scandal
Pope Benedict addresses Catholic priest pedophile scandal on trip to U.S.

Pope Considers Letting Priests Marry
Pope Benedict XVI and top Vatican officials met Thursday to talk about whether to lift the requirement that priests remain celibate.

Muslims Not Satisfied by Pope’s Regret for Inflammatory Comments
Al Qaeda issued a statement Monday warning Pope Benedict XVI that the war against the West and Christianity will continue until Islam takes over the world.

Pope Urges Faithful Not to Be Silent About God
In an address in a small village in Italy, Pope Benedict XVI told believers that not talking about the truths of God would allow the deity to be misrepresented by the unfaithful.

The Panzer Pope - Benedict XVI
At various point in his Church career, he has declared that Jewish history and scripture (can) reach fulfillment only in Christ, that "Only in the Catholic church is there eternal salvation", that homosexuals suffer from an "objective disorder", and so on.

Newly Elected Pope Benedict XVI, Humble And Conservative
Catholics around the world and leaders of nations are congratulating Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany upon being selected as the new leader of the Catholic church.

Pope Benedict Xvi Visits Holiest Sites of Judaism and Islam
Pontiff begins second day of pilgrimage at Temple Mount

Pope Benedict's Holocaust Speech to Israel Deemed Inadequate
Pontiff criticized for not apologizing for Catholic church's conduct during war, at the beginning of pilgrimage to Holy Land

Pope Benedict Must Be a 'penitent Pilgrim' on Jerusalem Visit
Papal blunders send out divided messages on antisemitism

Pope Benedict to Visit Ramallah During First Trip to Israel
The pontiff will meet religious and political figures on six day tour of region following previous trip to Africa

Pope's condom comments split French Catholics
Two polls released over the weekend show French disquiet over Pope's recent remarks about condoms.

French television reacts to Pope's condom comments
Religious programs to carry Aids logo during weekend Sidaction.

France awaits arrival of Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI begins his visit to France.

Sexual Abuse Victims Groups Criticise Pope's 'cynical' Meeting
Pope Benedict met victims of sexual abuse by the Catholic clergy in the last hours of his nine-day visit to Australia, underlining his earlier public apology for the pain they have suffered

'The City's Shut Down. This Guy Must Have Connections'
Pope wraps up his US visit with prayers at Ground Zero and mass at the Yankee stadium

Minority Distorting Human Rights, Says Pope
Pope Benedict XVI has made an impassioned plea for greater international cooperation on human rights

Small Minority Distorting Human Rights, Says Pope
Pope Benedict XVI has made an impassioned plea for greater international cooperation on human rights

Mission America
Leader: Pope Benedict has plenty of reasons to say something of consequence on his US trip

US Prepares a Rapturous Welcome for World Leader. And the Pm is There Too
Gordon Brown flies into the US just hours after Pope Benedict XVI arrived from the Vatican

Politics: Pope Benedict XVI
On April 19, 2005 Joseph Alois Ratzinger was elected to become 265th and reigning Pope, Pope Benedict XVI. On May 7, 2005, as new Pope, he took possession of Basilica of St. John Lateran, the oldest and the grandest basilicas of Rome. The Archdiocese of New York looks forward to welcoming His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI for his visit to New York on April 18, 19, and 20, 2008.

Pope Agrees to Talks With Muslim Leaders
Pope Benedict has invited leading Islamic authorities to discuss a letter they sent to Christian leaders last month urging a search for common moral ground

Pope to Appoint More Women in Top Vatican Jobs
Pope Benedict is working on a plan to put more women in top jobs at the Vatican, his spokesman has disclosed.

One True Church - Protestants Poo Poo Pompous Pope
Pope Benedict XVI has drawn fire from Protestants worldwide for saying in early July of 2007, that they are not part of the "true church." Protestants have weighed in and the response has included everything from disappointment to anger. Almost all Protestants agree that ongoing efforts at ecumenical dialog have been knocked back by a decade.

Latin Leaves Priests at a Loss
Pope Benedict may want more of his flock to have the chance to hear mass in Latin. But there is a snag. Not many of his priests know enough of the language to hold a service in it.

Pope Warns Latin America Against Marx
Pope Benedict XVI attacked Marxism and unfettered capitalism as twin scourges of Latin America at the end of a trip to Brazil, a visit which has underlined but failed to reverse the Catholic church's waning influence in the region.

Survey Exposes Divide Between Pope and Priests
A yawning gulf between the stern doctrines preached by Pope Benedict and the advice offered by ordinary Roman Catholic priests on various thorny moral dilemmas has been exposed by an Italian magazine.

Pope Backs Public Display of Christian Symbols
Pope Benedict XVI stepped into an increasingly international debate on the display of religious symbols at the weekend, saying: "Religion, like the church, must be recognised as a public, community presence."

Praise and Fears As Pope Ends Turkish Visit
Pope Benedict flew out of Turkey yesterday having convinced many - but by no means all - of his hosts of his desire for warm relations with the Muslim world.

Pope Praises Priest Slain in Cartoon Furore
Pope Benedict today honoured the memory of a Roman Catholic priest who was killed after the publication of the Danish cartoons of the prophet Muhammad.

Pope Defies Security Fears to Visit Virgin Mary's House
Pope Benedict is unlikely ever to conduct a more intimate or hazardous mass in public than the one he held yesterday at the house some believe was the home of Jesus's mother, Mary.

Benedictus XVI between Istanbul and Nova Roma
Walking for a brief span of time in the capital of Justinian, Heraclius and Manuel II Paleologus, Benedict XVI has the rare possibility to show to multi-divided and disoriented Mankind the path of Unity, Justice and Truth.

Turkey Claims Eu Bid Gets Pope's Blessing
Pope Benedict XVI today stepped into a political minefield when he appeared to back Turkey's bid to join the EU, after arriving in Ankara.

Pope Tries to Build Bridges on First Visit to Muslim Country
Pope Benedict XVI sought to dispel a quickly earned reputation for Islamophobia today, calling for a new process of "authentic dialogue" between Christians and Muslims based on "mutual esteem and respect". For the first time in his papacy, he also voiced support for Turkey in its flagging efforts to join the European Union.

Benedict XVI between Constantinople and Istanbul
When, within a few hours, the Pope will land in Istanbul, he will find himself for a few days outside Time; the evenly balanced gravitation of Istanbul and Constantinople will place the Pontiff at a uniquely equidistant point between Turkey and Europe, Christianity and Islam, and Orient and Occident. Few moments counted as much as this in the World History.

Turks Take to Streets to Protest at Pope's Visit
Tens of thousands of Muslims and nationalists took to the streets of Istanbul yesterday to vent their anger at the imminent arrival in Turkey of Pope Benedict XVI.

Pope on a Tightrope for Trickiest Visit Yet
Protests and violence likely as Benedict XVI heads to Istanbul.

Turkey Prepares for Pope Benedict's Visit
The Pope's visit to Turkey next week is so sensitive even the prime minister is making himself scarce, writes Mark Tran.

Can Benedict XVI bring Peace and Concord?
The recent clash between Muslim fanatics and the Pontiff could turn into a multipartite concord and cooperation on so many important grounds. Far more unites Catholic Christianity and Islam than divides them.

Pope Urges Dialogue Between Christians and Muslims
Pope Benedict XVI today told Muslim diplomats "our future" depends on dialogue between Christians and Muslims.

What Benedict XVI should say, admonishing Muslim ambassadors
The recent tirades of ignorant and uneducated Muslim politicians, intellectuals and sheikhs against Pope Benedictus XVI give an excellent opportunity to the Pontiff to go one step further and put an end to irrelevant tactics of compromise that, as already proven in 1938 – 1940, do not calm down anyone.

Lord Carey, Benedictus XVI, and today’s decayed Islam
When a Pope quotes an Orthodox Eastern Roman Emperor and an Anglican authority supports the Head of Catholic Christianity, serious developments are logically expected; especially because all these events take place weeks before the Pope's visit to Turkey.

Don't Visit Istanbul, John Paul's Attacker Warns Pope
· Jailed failed assassin says Benedict's life is in danger · Security tight as pontiff addresses crowd in Rome

Pope's Remarks About Jews 'unwise in Current Climate'
Only minutes after saying that he was "deeply sorry" about the reaction to his earlier remarks on Islam, Pope Benedict cited a passage from the New Testament highlighting the gulf between Christian and Jewish attitudes to the crucifixion of Jesus.

Pope 'deeply Sorry' But Muslim Protests Spread
Italian police were yesterday ordered to tighten security at potential Catholic targets across the country as the leaders of the Roman Catholic church anxiously waited to see if a personal expression of regret by Pope Benedict would assuage Muslim fury over his remarks on Islam.

Pope Seeks to Calm Storm Over 'evil Islam' Comment
The Vatican yesterday sought to quell the storm engulfing Pope Benedict XVI by claiming that the pontiff 'sincerely regrets' quoting remarks that Islam was 'evil and inhuman'.

Benedictus XVI may not be right, but today's Muslims are islamically wrong!
The wrong question is: "Did Benedictus XVI insult Islam and Muslims?" The correct question is: "Are today's Muslims entitled to protest, and to what extent can they be taken as the true 'custodians' of the system preached before 14 centuries by Prophet Muhammad?"

Muslim Leaders Demand Apology for Pope's 'medieval' Remarks
Pope Benedict XVI was last night facing angry demands from Muslims that he apologise for a speech in which he appeared to condemn the concept of jihad as "unreasonable" and quoted a medieval ruler who said Muhammad's innovations were "evil and inhuman".

Faith, Reason and the University: Memories and Reflections
The speech given by Pope Benedict XVI at the University of Regensburg in Germany on September 12.

Pope Prepares to Embrace Theory of Intelligent Design
Philosophers, scientists and other intellectuals close to Pope Benedict will gather at his summer palace outside Rome this week for intensive discussions that could herald a fundamental shift in the Vatican's view of evolution.

Pope Prepares to Shift Vatican's View of Evolution
Philosophers, scientists and other intellectuals close to Pope Benedict will gather at his summer palace outside Rome this week for intensive discussions that could herald a fundamental shift in the Vatican's view of evolution.

Pope Visits Spain to Hail Family Values
Pope Benedict XVI flies to Spain tomorrow to promote the Vatican version of family values to a country whose Socialist government has recently introduced gay marriage and remains intent on reducing the power of the church.

Pope Names Vatican 'prime Minister'
Pope Benedict XVI today gave the Vatican a new 'prime minister' - Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, who led the Catholic church's onslaught on the best-selling The Da Vinci Code.

Pope Pays Homage to John Paul With Trip to Poland
Pope Benedict XVI yesterday began his first papal trip to Poland on a visit designed to pay homage to his predecessor John Paul II and to promote German-Polish reconciliation. Crowds clutching yellow and white Vatican flags cheered as the Pope arrived in Warsaw yesterday at the beginning of a four-day pilgrimage, which will see him visit Auschwitz.

Top Priest Told to Retire As Pope Toughens Stand on Child Abuse
Pope Benedict threw his authority behind a new and uncompromising approach to sex abuse in the Roman Catholic church yesterday when he ordered one of its most influential figures, who faces multiple allegations, to give up his ministry and retire to a life of "prayer and repentance".

Pope Denounces 'greedy Liar' Judas
Pope Benedict XVI is trying to combat efforts to rehabilitate Christianity's most hated villain after the presentation this month of a newly discovered 'gospel according to Judas'.

Pope's Choice of Cardinals Scrutinised
The 15 cardinals appointed today by Pope Benedict will eventually help choose his successor.

Vatican Appoints New Cardinals
Pope Benedict XVI added 15 members to the College of Cardinals today, and ordered them to spread charity and love around the world.

Pope Surprises Catholics With Warm Words on Power of Love
First message to flock warns against word being reduced to a sexual commodity.

German Squad Hopes for Papal Inspiration
He has not been known for his interest in the game. But tomorrow the German pope, Benedict XVI, will bestow his blessing on the football World Cup tournament, which Germany is hosting next summer.

Pope Benedict To Devote Papacy To The Teachings Of John Paul II
Pope Benedict will ensure that the teachings of his predecessor John Paul II are understood and assimilated.

Stasi Spied on 'critical' Pope for Two Decades
East Germany's secret police, the Stasi, spied on Pope Benedict XVI for more than two decades, regarding him as one of the "sharpest critics of communism", the German newspaper, Bild am Sonntag, reported yesterday.

Pope Meets Controversial Writer
Oriana Fallaci, the controversial Italian author who is awaiting trial on charges of vilifying Islam, has been granted a private audience with Pope Benedict XVI.

All or Nothing As Pope Warns of Diy Religion
Benedict XVI leaves young pilgrims with a tough message on the final day of his German tour.

'We Want to Show Benedict We Love Him, Even Though He is Not John Paul'
A million pilgrims gave the new Pope a warm homecoming, but Vatican analysts wonder if he has the charisma to clean up the church and kindle a Christian reawakening in Europe.

Pope's Synagogue Visit Signals Bid to Build Bridges With Jews
Pope Benedict XVI visited a synagogue in Cologne yesterday in a clear sign that building better relations between the Catholic church and other faiths would play an important role in his papacy.

Nervous, Hatless, the Pope Returns to Germany
Four months after his election as Pope, the 78-year-old former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger arrived in his native Germany yesterday for his first trip abroad as pontiff.

Pope Arrives in Germany on First Foreign Visit
Pope Benedict XVI arrived in his native Germany today on his first foreign trip since being elected four months ago.

Europe Beset By Self-pity, Pope Says in First Interview
In his first interview as pontiff, Pope Benedict XVI warned yesterday that Europe was caught up in a crisis of "self-pity" and lacked belief.

Vatican in Terror Dispute With Israel
Pope Benedict XVI was yesterday immersed in the first big diplomatic crisis of his papacy after the Vatican issued an unusually blunt statement criticising Israel for its response to Palestinian attacks.

Pope's Old Home Goes Up for Sale
Ever since Joseph Ratzinger was announced as the new Pope, hundreds of tourists and pilgrims have knocked on Mrs Dandl's front door, eager to have a look inside the house where Pope Benedict XVI was born.

Pope Sets Predecessor on Road to Sainthood in Record 26 Days
Pope Benedict yesterday revealed that he had set his predecessor, John Paul II, on the road to possible sainthood just 26 days after the late pontiff's death.

Pope vows to defend Catholic church's 'pro-life' doctrine
Pope Benedict XVI sent a clear message at the weekend that he intends to stick rigidly to the "pro-life" stance of his predecessor.

Pope's Old Car Makes More Than £128,000 on Ebay
He might be a new Pope but there is no doubting his second-hand value. Last night a VW Golf that used to belong to Benedict XVI was sold for almost €189,000 - about £128,000.

A Bargain at £30,000 - As God's My Witness
A car being auctioned on eBay has a unique selling point: until recently it belonged to Benedict XVI, the new Pope.

Pope 'obstructed' Sex Abuse Inquiry
Confidential letter reveals Ratzinger ordered bishops to keep allegations secret.

German Fury at 'insults' to Pope
German newspapers reacted with fury yesterday to British media reports focusing on Pope Benedict's teenage membership of the Hitler Youth.

The New Pope: Benedict 'promised to Modify Hard Line'
Pope Benedict XVI used his first sermon yesterday to promise "open and sincere" - though limited - dialogue with other religions, in an early attempt to soften his image.

The New Pope: Home Town Ready to Greet Pilgrims - and Euros
Yesterday, the town of Marktl am Inn was coming to terms with its new-found celebrity status as the birthplace of Pope Benedict XVI.

The Last Pope From Europe
So, the papacy has left Italy, probably forever. The election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI looks very much like the continuation of John Paul II's papacy by other means. Andrew Brown

Benedict Xvi: the Vatican's Orthodox Insider is New Pope
Hardline theologian Ratzinger, 78, elected by conclave.

Ratzinger Named As Pope Benedict Xvi
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the 78-year-old German bishop closely associated with the papacy of John Paul II, was today announced as Benedict XVI, the 265th leader of the world's 1.1 billion Roman Catholics.

Ratzinger is Frontrunner As Cardinals Start Election of Pope
Weeks of feverish speculation and intrigue in Rome will enter their final phase tomorrow when 115 cardinals begin to elect a new pope in the most exclusive and secret ballot in the world.

Cardinal Adds to Concerns Over Ailing Pope
One of Germany's leading cardinals admitted last night that the Pope is "in a bad way", fuelling speculation that the 83-year-old may have only weeks to live. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, one of the Pope's closest advisers, said the pontiff was seriously ill and added bluntly: "We should...