100 years ago, on May 18th, Pope John Paul II was born in the small Polish town of Wadowice. After having been divided for over 100 years by three neighboring major powers of Prussia, Russia, and Austria, Poland regained Her independence at the end of the First World War. It was a historic event that

In these extracts from his new book-length interview, the Pope Emeritus reflects on his ‘guillotine’ election, his achievements as Pope and his tendency to ‘think too much’ Why did you not name yourself John Paul III? I felt that would be inappropriate, because a standard had been set there which I couldn’t match. I could not

Here we publish the homily of Benedict XVI's last public Mass as pope

Here we publish the full text of the Pope's general audience address on Ash Wednesday

Benedict XVI gave annual pre-Christmas speech to the Curia today

Pope speaks to staff and students of college on 650th anniversary

Homily given at Mass marking 50th anniversary of Vatican II

Pope recalls 'unforgettable moment' of Eucharistic Adoration in Hyde Park

Benedict XVI urges German Catholics to show 'resolute confidence'

Benedict XVI celebrates final Mass of four-day German visit

Benedict XVI tells German youth to be 'light of the world'

Benedict XVI meets leaders of the Zentralkomitee der deutschen Katholiken