Pope thankful for 'prayers'
The Pope has made his first appearance at St Peter's Square window since his resignation announcement and thanked the faithful for their "prayers and support."
Church to appoint new Pope 'before the end of Lent'
A weary looking Pope Benedict celebrated his last public mass as Pontiff today, inside St Peter's Basilica where thousands gathered to celebrate Ash Wednesday.
Ash Wednesday is one of the holiest days of the Catholic faith, and marks the beginning of Lent, forty days before the celebration of Easter Sunday, by which time the church will have a new leader.
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Pope resignation: What happens next?
So, we're all shocked at the resignation of the Pope, but what happens next?
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Pope Benedict XVI announces shock resignation
Pope Benedict XVI has made the announcement that he will resign as the head of the Roman Catholic Church due to his "advanced age."
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A shock resignation and momentous days ahead
Who will follow in Pope Benedict's footsteps? Is it time for an African pope?