May 2nd 2013 6:12PM
Not only did Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI return to the Vatican for the first time since he resigned in February -- the former pontiff also returned to his new home, the newly-renovated Mater Ecclesiae, a converted monastery on the edge of the Vatican gardens. (Pictured above). The Mater Ecclesiae (Mother of the Church)... Continue Reading »
Mar 13th 2013 8:00AM
By Michael Kelley This week the Vatican's papal conclave began the process of choosing the next spiritual leader of 1.18 billion Catholics worldwide. White smoke poured from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Wednesday, indicating a new pope was elected. The conclave voted amid Michelangelo's imposing frescoes imagining the... Continue Reading »
Feb 28th 2013 1:18PM
Pope Benedict XVI's resignation became official Thursday, and he's already settling in at his temporary post-Vatican home, Reuters reported. He's getting cozy at the pope's summer home in Castel Gandolfo, a small town of 8,000 residents south of Rome. He'll stay at the Apostolic Palace, which has been the vacation home... Continue Reading »
Feb 13th 2013 11:26AM
Pope Benedict may be retreating into a life of prayer, but the first pontiff to retire since the Middle Ages will -- physically at least -- remain at the very heart of the Vatican. The convent of Mater Ecclesiae (Mother of the Church) is being renovated, and, following Benedict's sudden resignation, will offer him a... Continue Reading »
