Pope Francis Stumbles On Day 2 (Video)

On his second day as pope, Pope Francis tripped and almost fell as he was going to greet the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, at the beginning of the audience. Luckily his holiness was able to recover from his stumble and continue with the proceedings.

Pope Francis Stumbles On Friday

The pope was attending an audience with the cardinals at Sala Clementina within the Vatican. At this same event Pope Francis paid tribute to Pope Emeritus Benedict. He said that the now retired pontiff "enriched and invigorated" the Church. Also on Friday, the seals to the Papal apartment were broken as Pope Francis was given the keys and access to the apartment.

Watch the video of Pope Francis stumbling below...

Pope Francis Celebrates First Mass (Video)

The newly appointed Pope Francis celebrated his first mass at the Sistine Chapel on Thursday with all the cardinals who elected him the day before. He spoke in Italian and kept the homily very short. He asked the church to build on courage and referred to at least three bible verses in both the old and the new testament.

Pope Francis Waves As He Leaves Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica

Earlier on in the day he visited the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome. He reportedly spent about thirty minutes there praying and talking to the people in attendance. He was expected to visit retired Pope Benedict XVI later in the day however the Vatican announced that visit has been postponed for a few days.

Watch the video of Pope Francis' first homily below....
 

New Pope Has Been Elected: Pope Francis

Habemus Papam! We have a new Pope, who has chosen the name Pope Francis. He has chosen the name from St Francis Of Assisi. Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina. Who has spent most of his time in Argentina and has specialized in pastoral work. He was born in 1936  and is currently 76 years old. He is the 266th pope, the first pope from South America. He is also the first Jesuit Pope.

Who is Jorge Mario Bergoglio? This is the man who moved into a small apartment and  got rid of this driver. He studied in at the University of Argentina. He was the Arch Bishop of Buenos Aires until 2012. He has had issues with the government of Argentina in regards to same sex and abortion laws.

His first words as Pope were. 'Dear Brothers and Sisters. Good Evening.' He continued on with a joke, 'You know the duty of the conclave was to elect the Bishop of Rome, but it looks like my brothers have chosen one from far away, here I am.'

The first thing he did was lead the crowd in prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict. He recites Our Father and ends with one Hail Mary. He asks for prayer for the whole world. Then again leads the world in silent prayer for him.

He then blesses everyone in attendance in Saint Peter's Square, listening on radio or watching on television. He waved to the crowd and this fuelled a loud roar and chanting from the crowd.

The Vatican anthem was played after which he asked for the microphone to address the people again. He once again asks for he people's blessing and says he will visit the Madonna in the morning. With a smile he wishes the people a 'Good Night' and retreats back behind the red velvet curtains.

May the lord bless and guide our new pope, Pope Francis.
 

White Smoke - The Public's Reaction

After two rounds of voting and seeing black smoke twice. The white smoke finally appeared from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel. This happened just a few minutes after 7 pm Rome time on Wednesday 13th of March 2013. At the same time the the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica and all the churches across Rome started to ring.

Here's the video of the scene around the square at that very moment in time...
 

Pope Benedict XVI's Retirement Package

The Vatican recently released details of Pope Benedict XVI's retirement package to the public. This being the first time the Vatican has had to configure one of these packages in a very long while, they finally managed to iron out the details.

His monthly pension will be 2,500 euros. All his expenses will be covered by the Roman Catholic Church that includes accommodation, food as well as any staff he may need for his residence.

As we all know the health of his holiness has not been the best in the last few years. This was even cited as being one of the reasons for his retirement. Well, he does not have to worry about health care. He will still be covered by the private health care package provided by the Vatican.

In my opinion this is a pretty sweet retirement package that is going to help him live his last days on earth in peace. For a man who has served others, and provided guidance for many years he surely deserves it. Thank you Papa!

Pope Benedict XVI's Last Day As Pope

Pope Benedict XVI had a relatively quiet last day as Pope. He started off the day with a meet and greet with the cardinals. This took place in the  Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace. Dressed in his red cloak, the pontiff stood and greeted each of the cardinals present personally. Each cardinal had an opportunity to have a private last word with the pope. It was also during this final meeting that he pledged obedience to his future successor.

Pope Benedict XVI meets with the cardinals

“I will continue to be close to you in prayer, especially in the next few days, so that you are fully accepting of the action of the Holy Spirit in the election of the new pope,” he told the cardinals. He continued to say “May the Lord show you what he wants. Among you there is the future pope, to whom I today declare my unconditional reverence and obedience,”.

Just before 5 PM local time he left the palace for the last time. He was taken to the helipad that is located above the Vatican gardens. There a helicopter was waiting to whisk him away to the papal vacation located at Castel Gandolfo just south of Rome.

After flying over Rome he arrived at his residence for the next few weeks. He was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd, who chanted loudly "Benedetto, Benedetto" and also waved flags. He took the time to thank his supporters and said that he would continue to "work for the good of the Church." Before retreating into the grounds of the papal retreat.

At 8 PM local Rome time. The pope officially retired. To mark this momentous occasion in history they closed the doors of the palazzo. All the Swiss Guards who were on duty to protect the pope, are officially relieved of their duties until the next pope has been chosen by the conclave of cardinals within a few weeks.

May the Lord protect and guide his holiness Pope Emeritus as he embarks on this new phase of his life. We thank him for his service to the church for the past eight years and wish him peace, love and happiness for the rest of his days.

Watch the video below of his last meeting with the cardinals early this morning...

Pope Benedict XVI Leaves The Vatican

In the last hour Pope Benedict XVI has officially left the Vatican. From the Vatican he jumped into a chauffeured black Mercedes Benz in a courtyard, that was filled with about a hundred people including nuns who all applauded as the motorcade drove out.

Pope Benedict XVI Final Wave Before Boarding Helicopter.

The Swiss Guards stood at attention as the car drove past them and through the gates to the helipad where his holiness then boarded a white  'Repubblica Of Italiana' helicopter. At exactly 5:07 PM local time, the helicopter lifted off the ground the bells went off in the Vatican.

He has since arrived at the papal retreat just outside Rome, which he will call home until the monastery on the grounds of the Vatican being renovated for him is ready.