The Vatican on Dec. 31 published the Spiritual Testament of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, written on Aug. 29, 2006, one year and four months into his pontificate

ROME – Tens of thousands of people were present in St. Peter’s Square for the funeral Jan. 5 of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, a leading theologian of the 20th century and the first pope to resign from office in nearly 600 years.

Pope Francis on Nov. 10 said that “all priestly formation, particularly that of future pastors, is at the heart of evangelization.”

Pope Francis on Feb. 17 offered a long reflection on his more than 52 years of priesthood, giving advice to other clerics in what he said might be the “swan song” of his priestly life.  

The amazed joy of Simeon and Anna at encountering and embracing Christ at the Temple is a virtue that consecrated religious should remember and imitate, the pope said in a homily addressed to religious brothers and sisters.