VATICAN CITY - In a move reflecting both his drive to reform the Vatican bureaucracy and his oft-stated desire to include laypeople in the leadership of the Church, Pope Francis established a new panel, to include almost as many lay members as clerics, to oversee the finances of the Holy See and Vatican City State.

VATICAN CITY - On a feast day commemorating the authority Jesus gave to St. Peter and his successors -- the popes -- Pope Francis created 19 new cardinals in the presence of retired Pope Benedict XVI.

Anybody who ever thought the Church never changes must have had another thought crash their party a year ago when Pope Benedict XVI stepped down from the throne of Peter.

The momentous occasion of Pope Benedict XVI������Ƶapp resignation one year ago stands as an important moment in the life of the Catholic Church and in the life of the world. To his brother cardinals gathered in consistory on the morning of Feb. 11, he startled them, the Church and the entire world when he said that due to his advanced age and deteriorating health, he would be relinquishing his papacy.

VATICAN CITY - When Pope Benedict XVI announced, on Feb. 11, 2013, that he would become the first pope in nearly 600 years to resign, speculation was as varied as it was excited about the long-term consequences of his historic act. But one common line of thought held that, for better or worse, his decision might leave the papacy a less exalted and powerful office, bringing the supreme pontiff closer to the level of other bishops, clergy and faithful.

VATICAN CITY - As some 150 cardinals from around the world gathered with Pope Francis to talk about the family, their two days of discussion focused particularly on three points: the Christian vision of people and family life; essential pastoral programs to support families; and ministry to divorced and civilly remarried Catholics.

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis named a French, a Philippine and a Brazilian cardinal to serve as the three presidents of the extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family in October.

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis opened a major two-day meeting on the Church������Ƶapp approach to the complexities of modern family life today, telling the world������Ƶapp Catholic cardinals that the Church needs a “pastoral” approach that is “intelligent, courageous and full of love” and not focused on abstract arguments.

VATICAN CITY - High-level debates over Catholic teachings on marriage and divorce and other hot-button issues heated up today (Feb. 19) as a highly anticipated effort to overhaul the Vatican bureaucracy slogged through the devilish details of financial reform.

VATICAN CITY - In retirement, Pope Benedict XVI follows a daily schedule similar to that of any retired bishop or religious: He prays, reads, strolls, talks with people and offers them spiritual advice, the Vatican spokesman said.