Media coverage shifting focus to College of Cardinals

As His Holiness Benedict XVI fulfilled his resignation intention Feb. 28, ending his eight-year pontificate, the College of Cardinals that will select the pope emeritus’ successor has indicated it will hold a March 4 meeting to schedule a papal conclave. News of Benedict XVI’s departure has gripped the world and …

Diocesan faithful give Cardinal Rigali a memorable send-off

In a turnout befitting a pope—or a cardinal—more than a thousand well-wishers were on hand Feb. 26 at All Saints Church and McGhee Tyson Airport to see Cardinal Justin Rigali as he departed for Rome, where he will join the College of Cardinals in a conclave to elect the next …

Diocese of Knoxville plays role in papal succession

Pope Benedict XVI’s announcement Monday that he will resign effective Feb. 28 took the world by surprise, prompting Diocese of Knoxville Bishop Richard F. Stika and Cardinal Justin Rigali, who is in residence in the diocese, to meet with East Tennessee media representatives and brief them on the pontiff’s decision. …

Diocese’s Year of Faith begins with speaker series on Vatican II

The Year of Faith has started in earnest in parishes across the diocese as the faithful seek a closer relationship with God. Sacred Heart Cathedral launched its Year of Faith celebration Oct. 17 with the first in a series of discussions on the Second Vatican Council and its important documents …

Witnessing Second Vatican Council’s impact

Cardinal Rigali, who was part of historic assembly, calls documents ‘more important than ever’ In October 1962, as the Cuban missile crisis gripped the world and civil rights icon James Meredith registered for classes at Ole Miss under federal marshal escort, Pope John XXIII convened the first ecumenical council of …

Cardinal Rigali leading Holy Land tour

Cardinal Justin Rigali will lead a 10-day pilgrimage to the Holy Land in February that will include tours of some of the most historically significant sites in the world. The former archbishop of St. Louis and Philadelphia, who is in residence in Knoxville as he continues to work at the …