Pope announces he will be stepping down as of February 28

News Bulletin from RomeReports.com

The Pope is unable to continue. He made the announcement today to the cardinals gathered in Rome. On February 28 at 8 p.m. Benedict XVI will no longer be Pope. That date will kick off the sede vacante, or vacant seat. According to canon law, within 20 days the cardinals must meet in conclave to elect the new Pope.

In the Vatican statement the Pope read in Latin to his cardinals, he explained that, “In order to govern the bark of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me.”

His resignation is a rare occasion for the Catholic Church, as only three other Popes have resigned in their time, Celestine V, Clement I and Gregory XII.

Starting at 8 p.m. on the last day of February, all posts within the Vatican will remain vacant until a new Pope is elected, with exception of the Camerlengo, the Major Penitentiary and the Vicar of Rome. The new Pontiff will be the one to canonize new saints on May 12, attend the World Youth Day in Brazil, and guide the Church through the remaining Year of Faith.

Writer Vittorio Messori investigates Lourdes apparitions

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Italian journalist Vittorio Messori is widely known for tackling current issues within the Catholic Church. Previously, he has published two books about John Paul II and Joseph Ratzinger.

Now, he is focusing his attention on the apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes. He believes the authenticity of the message, lies in the credibility of Bernadette's testimony, since she says she saw the apparition directly. It's also the topic of his latest book Bernadette non ci ha ingannati, or Bernadette Does Not Deceive.

VITTORIO MESSORI
Journalist and Writer“History can show that the apparitions of Lourders are authentic. And when we have a faith crisis, which also happens to me, naturally, when we have doubts, when we have problems, then we can seize that which is true, and that is Lourdes.”

Messori says the message of Lourdes can help many people reconcile with their Catholic faith, because her apparitions appear to strengthen the Pope's authority.

VITTORIO MESSORI
Journalist and Writer“Let's not forget that Lourdes is very Catholic. Our Lady appears always with a rosary in hand, she appears four years after a dogma on her Immaculate Conception, as if to confirm what Pius IX did. Our Lady appears according to the several cycles of the liturgy. It's why Lourdes is the place that the Popes have loved more.”

The Italian writer is also working on his next book, also dealing with Lourdes. He will attempt to explain why the grotto in Lourdes was the best place for Our Lady's apparition.

VITTORIO MESSORI
Journalist and Writer“In the fist book, I've been dedicated entirely to examining Bernadette's credibility. The second book will be called “Return to that Grotto,” where I will respond to questions about that mystery. Because we believers may say, why an insignificant town as Lourdes? Why a person as humanly insignificant as Bernadette?”

Vittorio Messori, was raised in an agnostic environment. He decided to document supernatural interventions, apparitions and miracles of Our Lady, because he considers them to be God's manifestations, that can reinforce the faith.