(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has sent his “sympathy and closeness in prayer” to the people of Boston in a telegram sent on his behalf.

Statement of Cleveland Bishop Richard Lennon Regarding Resignation of the Pope:

Today's announcement by Pope Benedict XVI that he will resign as Holy Father on February 28, 2013, is an historic event and an action motivated by his love of the Church.

One of my fellow bishops had this reflection on today' announcement which I would like to share, "Most of us know in our own personal lives what it means to see a parent grow old and decline in ability. That is the sense we bring to this announcement by our spiritual father."

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 12, 2012 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI sent out his first tweets today on Twitter. The Twitter account, @pontifex, which was announced Dec. 3 by the Holy See Press Office, is being used as a way for the Holy Father to communicate with the faithful and answer their questions on faith.

Expert from Becket Fund explains what is at stake

(International News - The World Seen from Rome)

WASHINGTON D.C. - March 5, 2012 (Zenit.org) - The Health and Human Services (HHS) Mandate has fueled debates over the Obama Administration's unwillingness to grant the necessary exemptions to religious institutions, forcing these institutions to pay for medical procedures that go against their religious beliefs.