This version of The Weekly Benedict covers material released in the last week from 22 February 2013 – 28 February 2013 (subscribe here; get as an eBook version for your Kindle, iPod, iPad, Nook, or other eBook reader):

Angelus

• 24 February 2013

General Audience

• 27 February 2013

Letter

• 23 February 2013 – Letter to Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, preacher of the Lenten Spiritual Exercises held for the Roman Curia

Motu Proprio

• 22 February 2013 – Apostolic Letter issued “Motu Proprio” on certain modifications to the norms governing the election of the Roman Pontiff

Speeches

• 28 February 2013 – Greeting to the faithful of the Diocese of Albano
• 28 February 2013 – Farewell address to the Eminent Cardinals present in Rome

Papal Tweets

Thank you for your love and support. May you always experience the joy that comes from putting Christ at the centre of your lives. pontifex, 28 February 2013

* All of Pope Benedict XVI tweets were deleted at at the start of Sede Vacante

This version of The Weekly Benedict covers material released in the last week from 4 February 2012 – 17 February 2013 (subscribe here; get as an eBook version for your Kindle, iPod, iPad, Nook, or other eBook reader):

Angelus

• 10 February 2013

General Audience

• 6 February 2013

Homilies

• 13 February 2013 – Penitential Procession – Holy Mass, Blessing and Imposition of the Ashes

Messages

• 13 February 2013 – Message to the 36th Session of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

Speeches

• 4 February 2013 – Concert in honour of the Holy Father and of the President of the Italian Republic on the occasion of the 84th anniversary of the signing of the Lateran Pacts
• 6 February 2013 – Greeting to participants in the General Assembly of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Charles Borromeo
• 7 February 2013- To participants in the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council for Culture
• 8 February 2013 – Visit to the Pontifical Roman Major Seminary on the Feast of Our Lady of the Trust
• 9 February 2013 – To the members of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta
• 11 February 2013 – Declaratio

Papal Tweets

In these momentous days, I ask you to pray for me and for the Church, trusting as always in divine Providence. @pontifex, 24 February 2013

This version of The Weekly Benedict covers material released in the last week from 4 February 2012 – 17 February 2013 (subscribe here; get as an eBook version for your Kindle, iPod, iPad, Nook, or other eBook reader):

Angelus

• 10 February 2013

General Audience

• 6 February 2013

Homilies

• 13 February 2013 – Penitential Procession – Holy Mass, Blessing and Imposition of the Ashes

Messages

• 13 February 2013 – Message to the 36th Session of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

Speeches

• 4 February 2013 – Concert in honour of the Holy Father and of the President of the Italian Republic on the occasion of the 84th anniversary of the signing of the Lateran Pacts
• 6 February 2013 – Greeting to participants in the General Assembly of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Charles Borromeo
• 7 February 2013- To participants in the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council for Culture
• 8 February 2013 – Visit to the Pontifical Roman Major Seminary on the Feast of Our Lady of the Trust
• 9 February 2013 – To the members of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta
• 11 February 2013 – Declaratio

Tweets

	During the season of Lent which begins today, we renew our commitment to the path of conversion, making more room for God in our lives. @pontifex, 13 February 2013
	Lent is a favourable time in which to rediscover faith in God as the foundation of our lives and of the Church’s life @pontifex, 17 February 2013

Would you like to express your love and gratitude to Pope Benedict for his service to the Church? Here is a way you can do it.

After I heard the news that Pope Benedict was renouncing the papacy, I felt moved to record a brief, from-the-heart video expressing my thoughts and feelings. (I don’t like the word “renounce” either, but it is the technically correct term, and it was used by Pope Benedict in his announcement.)

I decided to do the video unscripted, in the form of a video open letter to Pope Benedict, expressing my admiration for him and my gratitude for his service to the Church.

I know he doesn’t know who I am and that he may never see the video, but I wanted to do it anyway.

I have very much valued the service Pope Benedict has given the Church. I have been an admirer of his for many years before he was elected pope, and his service to the Church was already staggering.

When he agreed to shoulder the burden of being the successor of St. Peter, the vicar of Christ, I cheered!

I had been afraid to let my hopes get up that he would be elected pope, but he was!

He is an awesome teacher and a man of deep thought, profound piety, and amazing humility.

I will miss him terribly. I respect and accept his decision. But I could not let this occasion pass without expressing the burden of my heart.

Here’s the video . . .

Now that I’ve had my say, it’s time for yours.

After making the video, it struck me that it would be possible to get people’s expressions of love and gratitude to Pope Benedict after he leaves office. (He’ll be far too busy beforehand.)

Therefore, I invite you to use the comments box to express your prayers and best wishes to Pope Benedict.

After his departure, I will print your messages in a large-type, easy-to-read format and send it to him, along with a cover letter again expressing my own gratitude to him.

(Before sending it, I will also delete any inappropriate messages, so keep it positive.)

But please, do, let him know how much you love him and value his service as the successor of St. Peter and how you support him at this challenging time.

Thank you, and God bless you.

This version of The Weekly Benedict covers material released in the last week from 16 January 2012 – 10 February 2013 (subscribe here; get as an eBook version for your Kindle, iPod, iPad, Nook, or other eBook reader):

Index of Source Links

List of direct document links on Vatican.va used.

Angelus

• 27 January 2013

General Audiences

• 23 January 2013
• 30 January 2013

Homilies

• 2 February 2013 – Celebration of Mass on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and the 17th Day of Consecrated Life

Letters

• 23 January 2013 – Words of condolences for the death of Card. Jozef Glemp
• 1 February 2013 – Letter to the new Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans for the concession of the Ecclesiastica Communio

Motu Proprio

• 16 January 2013 – Apostolic Letter Issued Motu Proprio “Fides per Doctrinam” whereby the Apostolic Constitution “Pastor Bonus” is modified and competence for catechesis is transferred from the Congregation for the Clergy to the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization
• 16 January 2013 – Apostolic Letter issued Motu Proprio “Ministrorum Institutio” whereby the Apostolic Constitution Pastor Bonus is modified and responsibility for seminaries is transferred from the Congregation for Catholic Education to the Congregation for the Clergy

Messages

• 1 February 2013 – Message for Lent 2013

Speeches

• 26 January 2013 – To Prelate Auditors, Officials and Advocates of the Tribunal of the Roman Rota on the occasion of the inauguration of the Judicial Year
• 9 February 2013 – To the members of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta

Papal Tweets

	Every human being is loved by God the Father. No one need feel forgotten, for every name is written in the Lord’s loving Heart. @pontifex, 30 January 2013
	Today I have a special though for every religious: may they always follow Christ faithfully in poverty, chastity and obedience. @pontifex, 2 February 2013
	Today I have a special thought for every religious: may they always follow Christ faithfully in poverty, chastity and obedience. @pontifex, 2 February 2013
	Let us imitate the Virgin Mary in welcoming and guarding the word of Jesus, in order to recognize him as Lord in our lives @pontifex, 3 February 2013
	Everything is a gift from God: it is only by recognizing this crucial dependence on the Creator that we will find freedom and peace. @pontifex, 6 February 2013
	We must trust in the mighty power of God’s mercy. We are all sinners, but His grace transforms us and makes us new. @pontifex, 10 February 2013

This version of The Weekly Benedict covers material released in the last week from 16 January 2012 – 25 January 2013 (subscribe here; get as an eBook version for your Kindle, iPod, iPad, Nook, or other eBook reader):

Index of Source Links

List of direct document links on Vatican.va used.

Angelus

• 20 January 2013 – Angelus

General Audiences

• 16 January 2013

Letters

• 18 January 2013 – Letter to the newly elected Coptic Catholic Patriarch of Alexandria for the concession of the Ecclesiastica Communio

Messages

• 24 January 2013 – Message on the occasion of the 47th World Communications Day, 2013 – Social Networks: portals of truth and faith; new spaces for evangelization

Speeches

• 19 January 2013 – To participants in the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council “Cor Unum”
• 25 January 2013 – To members of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches

Papal Tweets

	Many false idols are held up today. For Christians to be faithful, they can’t be afraid to go against the current. @pontifex, 23 January 2013
	I join all those marching for life from afar, and pray that political leaders will protect the unborn and promote a culture of life. @pontifex, 25 January 2013
	What does Sunday, the day of the Lord, mean for us? It is a day for rest and for family, but first of all a day for Him. @pontifex, 27 January 2013

This version of The Weekly Benedict covers material released in the last week from 11 January 2012 – 20 January 2013 (subscribe here; get as an eBook version for your Kindle, iPod, iPad, Nook, or other eBook reader):

Index of Source Links

List of direct document links on Vatican.va used.

Angelus

• 13 January 2013

General Audiences

• 9 January 2013

Homilies

• 13 January 2013 – Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

Speeches

• 11 January 2013 – To the Gendarmerie Corps of Vatican City State
• 14 January 2013 – To members of the General Inspectorate for Public Security at the Vatican
• 17 January 2013 – To members of the Ecumenical Delegation of the Lutheran Church of Finland on the Feast of St Henrik

Papal Tweets

	Following Christ’s example, we have to learn to give ourselves completely. Anything else is not enough. @pontifex, 9 January 2013
	In this Year of Faith, may every Christian rediscover the beauty of being reborn in the love of God and living as his true children. @pontifex, 13 January 2013
	What happens in Baptism? We become united forever with Jesus, to be born again to a new life. @pontifex, 13 January 2013
	If we have love for our neighbor, we will find the face of Christ in the poor, the weak, the sick and the suffering. @pontifex, 16 January 2013
	What does the Lord ask of us as we work for Christian unity? To pray constantly, do justice, love goodness, and walk humbly with Him. @pontifex, 20 January 2013

This version of The Weekly Benedict covers material released in the last week from 17 December 2012 – 7 January 2013 (subscribe here; get as an eBook version for your Kindle, iPod, iPad, Nook, or other eBook reader):

Index of Source Links

List of direct document links on Vatican.va used.

Angelus

• 6 January 2013

General Audiences

• 2 January 2013

Messages

• 2 January 2013 – Message on the occasion of the 21st World Day of the Sick, 2013
• 7 January 20123 – Video Message to the Catholic Church of Cambodia on the occasion of the National Conference on the Second Vatican Council [Phnom Penh, 5–7 January 2013]

Speeches

• 17 December 2012 – To the delegation of the Italian National Olympic Committee
• 20 December 2012 – To a delegation of boys and girls of the Italian Catholic Action (A.C.R.)
• 7 January 2013 – To the Members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See for the traditional exchange of New Year greetings

Papal Tweets

	Please join me in praying for Syria, so that constructive dialogue will replace the horrendous violence. @pontifex, 7 January 2013
	Nigerians have a special place in my heart, as so many have been victims of senseless violence in recent months. @pontifex, 7 January 2013
	May we defend the right of conscientious objection of individuals and institutions, promoting freedom and respect for all. @pontifex, 7 January 2013
	Following Christ’s example, we have to learn to give ourselves completely. Anything else is not enough. @pontifex, 9 January 2013
	In this Year of Faith, may every Christian rediscover the beauty of being reborn in the love of God and living as his true children. @pontifex, 13 January 2013
	What happens in Baptism? We become united forever with Jesus, to be born again to a new life. @pontifex, 13 January 2013

This version of The Weekly Benedict covers material released in the last week from 16 December 2012 – 6 January 2013  (subscribe here; get as an eBook version for your Kindle, iPod, iPad, Nook, or other eBook reader):

Index of Source Links

List of direct document links on Vatican.va used.

Angelus

• 23 December 2012
• 26 December 2012
• 30 December 2012
• 1 January 2013

General Audiences

• 19 December 2012

Homilies

• 16 December 2012 – Pastoral Visit to the Roman Parish of “San Patrizio al Colle Prenestino”
• 24 December 2012 – Midnight Mass
• 31 December 2012 – Vespers and Te Deum
• 1 January 2013 – Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
• 6 January 2013 – Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Messages

• 25 December 2012 – Ubit et Orbi

Speeches

• 29 December 2012 – Taizé: European Youth Meeting

Papal Tweets

	What family Christmas tradition from your childhood do you still remember?@pontifex, 24 December 2012
	The cribs that we built in our home gave me much pleasure. We added figures each year and used moss for decoration.@pontifex, 24 December 2012
	May Our Lord bless you and watch over you in the new year.@pontifex, 1 January 2013
	When we entrust ourselves to the Lord completely, everything changes. We are children of a Father who loves us, and never leaves us.@pontifex, 2 January 2013
	he Wise Men followed the star and reached Jesus, the great light that illuminates all of humanity.@pontifex, 6 January 2013

This version of The Weekly Benedict covers material released in the last week from 13 December 2012 – 21 December 2012  (subscribe here; get as an eBook version for your Kindle, iPod, iPad, Nook, or other eBook reader):

Index of Source Links

List of direct document links on Vatican.va used.

Angelus

• 16 December 2012

General Audiences

• 12 December 2012

Homilies

• 16 December 2012 – Pastoral Visit to the Roman Parish of “San Patrizio al Colle Prenestino” * Note 1

Messages

• 21 APRIL 2013 – Message for the 50th World Day of Prayer for Vocations, 2013

Speeches

• 13 December 2012 – To new Ambassadors to the Holy See, not residing in Rome
• 14 December 2012 – To the delegation from the Municipality of Pescopennataro (Isernia, Italy), in gratitude for its donation of the Christmas tree in Saint Peter’s Square
• 20 December 2012 – Article by the Holy Father Benedict XVI in the Financial Times “A time for Christians to engage with the world”
• 21 December 2012 – Christmas greetings to the members of the Roman Curia

Tweets

	Everyone’s life of faith has times of light, but also times of darkness. If you want to walk in the light, let the word of God be your guide @pontifex, 19 December 2012
	We do not possess the truth, the truth possesses us. Christ, who is the truth, takes us by the hand. @pontifex, 19 December 2012
	When you deny God, you deny human dignity. Whoever defends God is defending the human person. @pontifex, 21 December 2012
	We do not possess the truth, the truth possesses us. Christ, who is the truth, takes us by the hand. @pontifex, 21 December 2012
	At the end of the year, we pray that the Church, despite her shortcomings, may be increasingly recognizable as Christ’s dwelling place @pontifex, 21 December 2012

Note 1: The link to this page on the Vatican’s site is missing.