Diocesan parishioners respond to selection of Pope Francis

Hispanic community already feeling impact with the election of first Holy Father from the Americas The impact of Pope Francis’ election is being felt around the world, and in the Diocese of Knoxville parishioners are reacting with excitement to the new pontiff and his interaction with the faithful. Deacon Bill …

Diocesan seminarian has front seat to history

For Michael Hendershott, papal succession is opportunity to study, serve Seminarian Michael Hendershott’s studies at the Pontifical North American College in Rome are preparing him for a lifetime of service to God and the Catholic Church. Studies in theology, philosophy, and history, however, couldn’t fully prepare him for events that …

Papal conclave to begin March 12

VATICAN CITY — The eighth General Congregation of the College of Cardinals has decided that the papal conclave will begin on Tuesday, March, according to a press statement issued Friday from the Holy See press office. A “pro eligendo Romano Pontifice” Mass will be celebrated in St. Peter’s Basilica Tuesday …

A closer look at the 2013 conclave’s papal electors

VATICAN CITY — The group of cardinals preparing to enter a conclave to elect a new pope is slightly older — by four months — than the group that elected 78-year-old Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger in 2005. Pope Benedict XVI, now 85, said his age and diminishing energy prompted him to …

A world of thanks to Pope Benedict as pontificate ends

Cardinal Justin Rigali is one of 117 College of Cardinals electors assembling for Vatican conclave to choose next pontiff The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on Feb. 11 shocked Catholics around the world, including those in the Diocese of Knoxville, which is home to papal elector Cardinal Justin Rigali. Pope …

Church affairs continue even without a pope

VATICAN CITY (CNS)—When Pope Benedict XVI officially left office at 8 p.m. Feb. 28, most of the top-level Vatican officials lost their jobs, but that does not mean the majority of Vatican employees get a vacation. Although Catholics inside and outside the Vatican love to complain about its unwieldy bureaucracy, …