Information and Resources on Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II

 
 

 

On April 19, 2005 German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected the 265th pope and took the name Pope Benedict XVI.   We pray for His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI and for his work in the "vineyard of the Lord". 

Here is a translation of Pope Benedict XVI's first greeting, given from the balcony of the facade of St. Peter's Basilica.


Dear Brothers and Sisters:

After the great Pope, John Paul II, the Lord Cardinals have elected me, a simple, humble worker in the Lord's vineyard. I am consoled by the fact that the Lord is able to work and act with insufficient instruments and, above all, I rely on your prayers.

In the joy of the risen Lord, confident of his permanent help, let us go forward. The Lord will help us. Mary, his Most Holy Mother, is on our side. Thank you.

Pope Benedict XVI, April 19, 2005
 

Father of providence, look with love on Benedict, our Pope, your appointed successor to St. Peter on whom you built your Church. May he be the visible center and foundation of our unity in faith and love. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (from the Roman Missal)

We Have a Pope! Benedict XVI
by Matthew Bunson
Noted Catholic author and historian Mathew E. Bunson, D.Min., provides a detailed portrait of Benedict XVI, introducing Catholics to a man of powerful intellect and confident faith who now must lead the Church as it confronts some of the most challenging issues facing modern men and women. Bunson examines what made him the man he is today, what you are not being told about him by the secular media , and what lies ahead for Catholics worldwide.

 

Resources on the Papacy and the Life of  Pope John Paul II

Important Links:

Vatican
US Conference of Catholic Bishops

News Updates:

Catholic News Service
Zenit
EWTN Global Catholic Network
New Advent

Life of  Pope John Paul II:

The Vatican: Pope John Paul II
Crossroads Initiative
USCCB
EWTN: The Pontificate of Pope John Paul II
Catholic Culture
AmericanCatholic.org: Pope John Paul II Biography

 

©"L'Osservatore Romano" photo from the book John Paul II: A Light for the WorldResources for Catholic Children:

Coloring Picture of Pope John Paul II and Spiritual Bouquet
Speaking with Our Children about the Passing of the Holy Father
Our Sunday Visitor's Resources on the Papacy for Catholic Families

 

Tributes to His Holiness, Pope John Paul II

Be Not Afraid Musical Tribute by Janelle
Light a Virtual Candle to Pray for John Paul II
John Paul II With These Hands by David Yackley

 

Photo Credit:  "L'Osservatore Romano" photo from the book John Paul II: A Light for the World