(RNS) If far less expensive and not quite as mind-numbing as a U.S. presidential campaign, the condensed version of papal campaign politics is not much gentler, or necessarily more effective. Instead it can be nasty, brutish and short.
VATICAN CITY (RNS) With three days left before his resignation on Thursday, Pope Benedict XVI on Monday (Feb. 25) allowed cardinals to move up the start of the conclave that will elect his successor.
(RNS) Will the conclave electing a successor to Pope Benedict XVI next month have an “Obama moment” and pick a pope from outside Europe for the first time in modern history? Several factors are working against it.
VATICAN CITY (RNS) As of 8 p.m. Thursday, the Vatican will go into “sede vacante” mode — a Latin expression that means that the seat of St. Peter is vacant. Here’s what will happen and who rules the church during the “interregnum” between two popes.
(RNS) A non-European pope, drawn from the Global South that’s shaping the future face of the church, would be a prophetic spiritual gift to the whole Christian community, and beyond.
(RNS) What are the rules for electing a new pope? They’re not much different after a pope dies or resigns. Pope Benedict XVI modified the rules in 2007, following a major overhaul by Pope John Paul II in 1996.
