Pope Benedict XVI celebrates the First Vespers and Te Deum prayers in Saint Peter's basilica at the Vatican December 31, 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI blesses the faithful as he leads his Angelus prayer from the window of his private apartments in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican December 28, 2008.
 

Pope Benedict XVI blesses the crowd gathered below in St. Peter's square during his Angelus prayers in the Vatican December 26, 2008

Pope Benedict XVI waves his faithful as he leads his Urbi et Orbi (to the city and the world) Christmas Day message from the central balcony of Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican December 25, 2008

Children bring offerings as Pope Benedict XVI leads the Christmas Mass in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican December 25, 2008

Pope Benedict XVI lights a candle from the window of his private apartments at the Vatican December 24, 2008
 

Pope Benedict XVI delivers his message during an audience to exchange Christmas wishes with cardinals and prelates, in the Clementine Hall, at the Vatican, Monday, Dec. 22, 2008

Press conference of presentation of the calendar of the activities of the CCEE for 2009.In Rome December 18,2008.

Pope Benedict XVI greates (L) traditional bagpipes at the end of his general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican December 17, 2008
 

Press conference of presentation of the published books from the Publisher Bookcase Vatican "Verso le origini.Una genealogia episcopale" of the Card. Angelo Sodano and "Riflessioni sul sacerdozio.Lettera a un giovane sacerdote" of the Card. Framcis Arinze.In Rome.December 16,2008

Pope Benedict XVI, framed by the branches of the Christmas tree, greets the faithful during the Angelus prayer in St. Peter's square at the Vatican, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008.
 

A 33-metre high and 120-year-old Christmas tree is lit during a ceremony in St-Peter's square at the Vatican, 13 December 2008. This year the tree, which is donated from a different part of Europe each year, came from the forests of Austria
 

Pope Benedict XVI waves at the end of a Mass for students of universities in Rome, inside St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008.

Card. Renato Raffaele Martino speaks during the press conference of presentation of the Message of the Pope Benedicy XVI for the "World-wide day of the Peace" (1 January 2009).At the Vatican December 11, 2008

Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone (L) and Italy's President Giorgio Napolitano (R) attend a concert marking the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Paul VI hall at the Vatican December 10, 2008

Pope Benedict XVI leaves at the end of the Wednesday general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican December 10, 2008
 

Pope Benedict XVI prays during the Immaculate Conception celebration prayer in Spain's central square in Rome December 8, 2008

Pope Benedict XVI waves at the end of the Immaculate Conception celebration prayer in Spain's central square in Rome December 8, 2008

Italian transgender and former communist lawmaker Vladimir Luxuria mimics a hanging, outside St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, during a candle-lit demonstration for gay rights, in Rome, Saturday Dec. 6, 2008.

Workers place decorations on the giant Christmas tree set up in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008.

Vatican Fire Brigade during a ceremony for the patrons of the Vatican Firefighters, in the Vatican gardens, Friday, Dec. 5, 2008

People walk past workers erecting a 33-metre high and 120-year-old Christmas tree in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican early December 5, 2008. This year the tree, which is donated from a different part of Europe each year, came from the forests of Austria

Pope Benedict XVI waves to the faithful as he celebrates his weekly general audience in Paul VI Hall at the Vatican December 3, 2008

 

Pope Benedict XVI greats Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaska during their private audience at the Vatican, Monday, Dec. 1, 2008

 

Pope Benedict XVI visits a statue of Pope Pio XII during his pastoral visit to the Roman basilica of San Lorenzo, for the 1750th anniversary of the martyrdom of the deacon Saint in Rome November 30, 2008
 

Pope Benedict XVI (C) leads the Vespri mass in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican November 29, 2008
 

Convention on the topic " The Word of God in the Liturgy". In Rome, November 29, 2008

Spanish tenor Placido Domingo during a Press Conference of presentation of a new albums songs of the Master Placido Domingo, inspired by poems penned by the late pope John Paul II.At the Vatican November 28, 2008.
 

Convention of study in occasion of 25° of the entrance in vigor of the Code of canon law.In Rome in Urbaniana University. November 27,2008.

Card. Tarcisio Bertone speaks during the Finmeccanicas Convention on the topic " The Science 400 years after Galileo Galilei.The value and the complexity ethic of the contemporary tecno-scientific search.Rome November 26, 2008

 

Catholicos Aram I, head of the Armenian Apostolic Church (See of Cilicia), during a press conference in Vatican Radio , Rome, November 26, 2008

 

Solar panels cover the roof of the Paul VI hall near the cupola of Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican November 26, 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI (R) greets Catholicos Aram I, head of the Armenian Apostolic Church (See of Cilicia), after his general audience in Paul VI Hall at the Vatican November 26, 2008
 

XIII Public session of the Papal Academies on the topic " University of the beauty: aesthetics and ethics to comparison". In Rome November 25,2008.

Pope Benedict XVI with His Holiness Aram I during a meeting at the Library of the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican City.November 24,2008

Pope Benedict XVI blesses the faithful as he leads his Angelus prayer from the window of his private apartments in Saint Peter Square at the Vatican November 23, 2008

Pope Benedict XVI, gestures, as he arrives for an audience for members of the diocese of the southern Italian town of Amalfi, in the Pope Paul VI hall at the Vatican, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008

Convention "One hundred Years to the service of the Consacrated Life" promoted from the Congregation for the Institutes of consecrated life and the Societies of apostolic life to Rome. November 22, 2008.

Colloquium on the topic "How Should we Teach Moral Theology?" Perspectives of Renewal in recent Proposals of Systematic exposition.In Rome November 21,2008.In the Papal Lateranense University.

Father James Duncan during a press Conference on the topic "The Question of "Chinese Rituals" A crash of cultures. In Rome in the Center For Union.November 20,2008.

Pope Benedict XVI waves to the faithful as he celebrates his weekly general audience in St. Peter Square at the Vatican November 19, 2008

 

Card. Tarcisio Bertone during the Inauguration of the International bookcase " Benedict XVI" of the Vatican Publishing Bookcase .In Rome November 18 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI blesses the faithful as he leads his Angelus prayer from the window of his private apartments in Saint Peter Square at the Vatican November 16, 2008

Pope Benedict XVI, right, looks on as he meets with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, at the Vatican, Thursday Nov. 13, 2008.

Press conference of presentation of the solemn commemorations in Vatican of the 60° Anniversary of "Universal declaration of the Rights of Man":Commemorative action and celebrativ Concert, directed from Master Inma Shara to the presence of Pope Benedict XVI (10 Decembers 2008). In Rome November 13, 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI waves after his general audience in Saint Peter Square at the Vatican November 12, 2008.

Rev. F. Federico lombardi speaks during the press conference of presentation of XXIII the International conference on the topic " The Pastoral in the cure of sicks children " In Rome November 11,2008

Pope Benedict XVI delivers his blessing during the Angelus noon prayer, from the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter's square at the Vatican, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008.

Meeting at the Gregorian University in Rome November 6, 2008.
 

Convention in the 50° anniversary of the dead of the servant of God " Inheritance of the mastery of Pio XII" to Rome. November 6,2008.

Pope Benedict XVI greets Muslim delegation head Mustafa Ceric (R), the Grand Mufti of Bosnia, at the Vatican November 6, 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI waves at the end of his general audience in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican November 5, 2008

Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran (L) looks at a religious book with Prof Mustafa Ceric Gran Muffi of the Bosnia Erzegovina during a meeting at the Vatican November 4, 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI leads a mass to commemorate cardinals and bishops who died this year, in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican November 3, 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI visits the tomb of the late Pope John Paul II under Saint Peter's Basilica on All Saints Day at the Vatican November 2, 2008.
 

Pope Benedict XVI delivers the Angelus prayer from his studio window overlooking St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008

Cardinal Agostino Vallini celebrates a mass to commemorate the deads in the Verano's cemetery, Rome, November 1st, 2008

Pope Benedict recites the Angelus prayer from his studio window overlooking St. Peter's Square, on All Saints' Day, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008.

Mons. Giuseppe Merisi, president of Italian Caritas, before the presentation of the " Static Dossier Immigration 2008". 18th Report" , cured from Italian Caritas, Caritas of Rome and Fondation Migrantes in Rome, 0ctober 30, 2008.

S.E. Card. Attilio Nicora speaks during the convention organized from the Foundation Justice and solidarity on the topic " From the debit to the peace, a duty for the future". In Rome October 31, 2008

Pope Benedict XVI (L) greets Lebanon's President Michel Suleiman during a meeting at the Vatican October 31, 2008.
 

 Pope Benedict XVI greets Jewish delegation leader Rabbi David Rosen (L) at the Vatican October 30, 2008.
 

Pope Benedict XVI greets Card. Zenon Grocholewski after a mass for the Inauguration of the Academic year of the Papal Athenaeums Roman in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican October 30, 2008
 

 Press conference of presentation of a document of the Congregation for the Catholic Education : "Orientations for the use of the competences psychological in the admission and formation of the candidates to the priesthood" in Rome October 30, 2008.

Mons. Rino Fisichella and Card. Agostino Vallini during the Inauguration of the Academic year of the Papal Lateranense University in Rome October 29, 2008

  Pope Benedict XVI waves next unidentifire bishop as Msgr. Georg Ganswein speaks with Monsignor Parmeggiani Mauro during his general audience in Saint Peter's square at the Vatican October 29, 2008

 

Pope Benedict XVI prays in front of Pope John XXIII's tomb to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the latter's election to the papacy in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican October 28, 2008

  Cardinal Francisco Robles Ortega
Archbishop of Monterrey (México) takes possession of the Title of St.Maria della Presentazione , Rome Oct 27, 2008
 

Pope Benedict XVI leads a mass to celebrate the end of the Synod of the Bishops in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican October 26, 2008
 

  Faithfuls attends a mass celebrated by Cardinal Vicar Agostino Vallini in occasion of the pilgrimage of the Rome's diocese on the apostle Paul's tomb at Saint Paul outside the Walls in Rome, October 26 2008.

Press conference on the presentation of works of the 12th Ordinary General Assembly of the Bishops 'Syonod in Rome October 25, 2008.

  Bishops during the meeting of the Synod of the bishops at the Nervi Hall at the Vatican October 25, 2008

Pope Benedict XVI waves as he leads his weekly general audience in Saint Peter's square at the Vatican October 22,2008.
 

  Pope Benedict XVI prays during the meeting of the Synod of the bishops at the Nervi Hall in the Vatican October 21, 2008

Pope Benedict XVI celebrates a Mass at the shrine city of Pompei, south of Naples, October 19, 2008

  Pope Benedict XVI with Bartolomeo I Ecumenical Patriarch during the celebration of Vespers in the Sistine Chapel in Rome.Vatican.October 18,2008.

Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, center, right, with hand to his face, the former personal secretary to Pope John Paul II, watch a movie on the life of Pope John Paul II, based on the recollections of his longtime private secretary, at the Vatican, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008

  Press conference of presentation of the Relatio post disceptationem of XII the Genelaly Assembly Ordinary of the Synod of the Bishop.Rome In the Press Office to the Holy See in Rome.October 16,2008

Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz of Krakow, Poland, celebrates Mass at Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome , Oct.16,2008
 

  Polish Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz during a news conference to promote a new documentary film on the life of the late Pope John Paul II in Rome October 15, 2008.

 

Pope Benedict XVI waves during his general audience in Saint Peter's square at the Vatican October 15, 2008
 

  Signature of agreement of cooperation for the translation and the spread of the Bible between the Biblical federation Cattolica and United Bible Societies.. Rome In the Press Office to the Holy See in Rome.October 14,2008

Laborers of the Company Solarworld AG, during the installation of Solar Panel on the roof of Paul VI hall at the Vatican.Rome October 14,2008.

  A general view of Saint Paul Outside the Wall Basilica during a concert of the Austrian Wiener Philharmoniker directed by Christoph Eschenbach to lead from Pope Benedict XVI in Rome October 13, 2008.
 

Pope Benedict XVI celebrates an open-air canonization ceremony of Sister Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conception, Gaetano Errico, Sister Maria Bernarda and Narcisa de Jesus Martillo Moran in St. Peter's square at the Vatican Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008.

  Pope Benedict XVI celebrates a Mass commemorating the 50th anniversary of Pius XII's death in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican October 9, 2008

 

Sr. Margherita Marchione during the presentation of the its book "Pio XII. The truth will make you free. Rome near the Radius Vatican October 8,2008.

 

Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino and Monsignor Agostino Marchetto speaks during the presentation for the next " 95° world day for the migrante and refugee " Oct..8,,2008

 

Pope Benedict XVI waves as he leaves from his general audience in Saint Peter Square at the Vatican October 8, 2008
 

Cardinal Sfeir Nasrallah Pierre (L) leaves to the meeting of the Synod of the bishops at the Nervi Hall at the Vatican October 7, 2008
 

Pope Benedict XVI (L) greets Rabbi Shear-Yashuv Cohen (R), Chief Rabbi of Haifa during the Synod of the Bishops led by Pope Benedict XVI October 6, 2008

Card. Marc Ouellet general reporter of the Synod of the Bishops, speaks during a press conference about presentation of the "Relatio ante disceptationem" of the XII General Assembly of the Synod of the Bishops.In the Press Office to the Holy See in Rome.October 6,2008

Pope Benedict XVI speaks during the opening meeting of the Synod of the bishops at the Nervi Hall in the Vatican October 6, 2008


 

Pope Benedict XVI holds an incense burner as he leads a mass to celebrate the opening of the Synod of the Bishop at Saint Paul Outside the Wall Basilica in Rome October 5, 2008

Pope Benedict XVI is greeted by Italy's President Giorgio Napolitano (R) on his arrival for a meeting at the Quirinale palace in Rome October 4, 2008.
 

Mons. Nikola Eterovic, General Secretary of the Synod of the Bishops, during the press conference on the development about the next Synod.In the Press Office to the Holy See in Rome.October 3,2008
 

Pope Benedict XVI arrives to lead his general audience in Saint Peter's square at the Vatican October 1, 2008

 

Mons. Giuseppe Betori, general secretary of the CEI, during the press conference of presentation of the final official notice of the intense activities of Permanent the Episcopal Council of Italian Episcopal Conference to Rome near the Radius Vatican.September 30,2008.

Pope Benedict XVI delivers his blessing from his window during his Angelus prayer at his summer residence of Castelgandolfo, on the outskirts of Rome, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008
 

Members of the Vatican police corps march during the celebration of the Vatican Gendarmerie and feast day of Saint Michael the Archangel, at the Pope's summer residence of Castelgandolfo September 27, 2008.

Convention on the topic " The Importance of science today Faith and reason on the test bench" promoted of the Association Carl Friedrich von Weizsacker near the Papal Gregoriana University.Rome September 26,2008.

Press conference of presentation of the " Instruction on the Advanced Institutes of Sciences Religious" by the Congregation for the Catholic Education of the Seminaries and the Institutes of Studies.In the Press Office to the Holy See in Rome September 25, 2008.
 25, 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI leaves at the end of his general audience in Saint Peter's square at the Vatican September 24, 2008

 

Pope Benedict XVI, at center, celebrates mass in Albano's cathedral, on the outskirt of Rome, during a ceremony to bless a new altar, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008.
 

Convention on Pio XII organized from the foundation "Pave the way" to Rome Salviati Palace September 17,2008
 

Pope Benedict XVI walks as he leaves at the end of his general audience in Paul VI Hall at the Vatican September 17, 2008.

 

Pope Benedict XVI arrives to celebrate his final mass at the Lourdes shrine in southwestern France, on September 15, 2008

Pope Benedict XVI during its speech to the French bishops in the Hemicycle of Saint Bernadette to Lourdes, September 14,2008.France
 

Pope Benedict XVI celebrates an eucharistic procession in Lourdes, southwestern France, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008.
 

Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Mass at the Lourdes shrine, southwestern France, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI waves from the Papamobile as he arrives to celebrate Mass at La Prairie in Lourdes on September 14, 2008
 

Pope Benedict XVI prays at the Grotto of the Apparitions, also called Grotto of Massabielle, on September 13, 2008 in the Sanctuary of Lourdes.
 

Catholic faithful take part in the Marian Procession of Light at the Rosary Basilica (Basilique Notre-Dame du Rosaire) on September 13, 2008 in the Sanctuary of Lourdes.


 

Pope Benedict XVI delivers a speech during a visit to the French Institute as members listen in Paris September 13, 2008.

 

Pope Benedict XVI, celebrates an outdoors mass on the Esplanade des Invalides in Paris, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008.

Crowd of faithfuls joined in the public square of the Cathedral of Notre Dame for the beginning of the Torchlight procession of midnight that it will finish to the Esplanade of the Invalids. Paris September 12,2008

Pope Benedict XVI celebrates vespers at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on September 12, 2008.


 

Saïd Ali Koussay, président of GAIC kiss the hand of Pope Benedict XVI during the meeting at the College des Bernardins September 12, 2008 in Paris.

 

Pope Benedict XVI waves as he walks with France's President Nicolas Sarkozy (L) in the courtyard of the Elysee Palace in Paris September 12, 2008.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy, welcomes Pope Benedict XVI, upon his arrival at Orly airport, south of Paris, Friday, Sept. 12, 2008.

Press conference of presentation of "Caravan missionary of the Peace" on the topic "Free the Word" in the Radius Vatican, Rome.September 11,2008.

Cardinal Antonio Innocenti, Emeritus President of the Pontifical Commission "Ecclesia Dei", was born on 23 August 1915 in Poppi, is died Sunday 7 September .
 

Pope Benedict XVI wawes to the faithful during the weekly general audience at the Vatican, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008.
 

S.E Mons. Giuseppe Betori has been elect from Pope Benedict XVI, new Archbishop of Firenze.Rome September 08 , 2008.
 

Pope Benedict XVI lights a candle in front of the statue of Our Lady of Bonaria as he celebrates a Mass during a Pastoral visit in the Sardinian town of Cagliari September 7, 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI is greeted by bishops from Saint Egidio Community during his Wednesday general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican September 3, 2008


 

Freed French-Colombian hostage Ingrid Betancourt (R) meets Pope Benedict in a private audience at his summer residence of Castelgandolfo September 1, 2008.
 

Pope Benedict XVI arrives for his weekly general audience at the Vatican August 27, 2008.

 

Pope Benedict XVI waves to the faithful during the Assumption festival at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, outside Rome, August 15, 2008

 

Pope Benedict XVI greets the faithful during his weekly general audience from his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome Aug 13, 2008.
 

Pope Benedict XVI waves before leaving Bressanone where he spent his annual holidays on August 11, 2008

Pope Benedict XVI during its speech of dismissal in the courtyard of the Greater Seminary of Bressanone, 11 Mondays Aug, 2008

Pope Benedict XVI speaks during the Sunday noon Angelus prayer, in Bressanone, Italy, Sunday, Aug. 10, 2008.
 

Pope Benedict XVI shows the certificate stating his honorary citizenship during a ceremony where he received the honorary citizenship of Bressanone, in this Northern Italian mountain resort, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2008.

 

Pope Benedict XVI arrives in procession to the meeting with the priests in the dome of Bressanone ,near Bolzano, northern Italy, Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008
 

Pope Benedict XVI kisses a child as he arrives to pray a visit to the home of Josef Freinademetz a 19th century saint who died as a missionary in China, and to pray in the church devoted to him, in Oies, Alta Badia, Italy, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008.
 

Pope Benedict XVI greets the faithfuls during his Angelus prayer in Bressanone, near Bolzano, Italy, Sunday, August 03, 2008
 

Father Adolfo Nicolas General Preposito of the order of the Jesuits speaks during the eucharistic celebration in the memory of Saint Ingazio di Loyola, founder of the Company of Jesus in the roman church of the Jesus. 31 July, 2008.
 

Pope Benedict XVI strolls in a garden with his brother Bishop Georg Ratzinger during his annual holiday in Bressanone, northern Italy July 31, 2008

Edio Costantini President of the Foundation John Paul II speaks during the press conference " Correre sulle Orme di San Paolo" Marathon Gerusalemme-Rome from the April 24 to June 21, 2009 in the hall Marconi of the Radius Vatican. Rome July 28,2008.
 

Pope Benedict XVI shakes hands with the faithful as he arrives for his annual holidays in Bressanone, northern Italy, July 28, 2008.
 

Pope Benedict XVI shakes hands with Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki during a private visit in the summer residence of Castelgandolfo, south of Rome, July 25, 2008.

City of Bressanone where the Holy Father Benedict XVI will pass one period of vacations from the 28 July to 11 August 2008.
July 25,2008.

Pope Benedict XVI, claps his hands as he meets journalists on the flight from Sydney, Australia, to Rome at the end of his visit to Australia on the occasion of the World Youth Day, Monday, July 21, 2008.
 

Pope Benedict XVI, seen inside his Pope mobile, arrives at Randwick Racecourse to celebrate the Final Mass at World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia, Sunday, July 20, 2008

Jesus speaks to Mary and John is perforJesus speaks to Mary and John is performed as part of Stations of the Cross at Barangaroo during World Youth Day Sydney 2008 on July 18, 2008 in Sydney, Australia.
dney, Australia.
 

Pope Benedict XVI waves at the conclusion of the Evening Vigil at Randwick Racecourse during World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia, Saturday, July 19 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI celebrates mass at the St. Mary Cathedral in Sydney on July 19 2008

Pope Benedict XVI meets young disadvantaged people at an event during World Youth Day (WYD) festivities in Sydney July 18, 2008
 

Pope Benedict XVI, top center, addresses pilgrims as The Stations of the Cross begin outside St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney, Friday, July 18, 2008.
 

Pope Benedict XVI, center back, shakes hands with Sheikh Shardy who represents Australian Muslims at an inter-faith gathering during World Youth Day festivities, in Sydney, Australia, Friday, July 18, 2008
 

Pope Benedict XVI (C) listens to a welcome speech from Australia's senior Catholic cleric Cardinal George Pell (R) in St Mary's Cathedral Crypt in Sydney July 18, 2008

Pope Benedict XVI sits with young people during a lunch at St. Mary Cathedral house in Sydney July 18, 2008.
 

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, left, Pope Benedict XVI and Mr. Rudd's wife Therese Rein, right, enjoy a look over Sydney Harbor during a visit to Admiralty House in Sydney, Australia, on Thursday, July 17, 2008

Pilgrims gather at the Bangaroo harbor as Pope Benedict XVI, unseen, address the crowd in Sydney, Australia, Thursday, July 17, 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI talks to an Australian Aborigine aboard a harbor cruise in Sydney, Australia, Thursday, July 17, 2008

Pope Benedict XVI kneels in front of the altar during his visit at the Mary MacKillop Memorial chapel in Sydney, Australia, Thursday, July 17, 2008
 

Pope Benedict XVI wears an Australian police hat during his meeting with a former Australian Police officer at the Kenthurst Study Center in Sydney, Wednesday, July 16, 2008.
 

Pope Benedict XVI strokes koala bear at Kenthurst Study Center in Sydney July 14, 2008

Pope Benedict XVI (R) and Ecumenical PatrYouths during the mass celebrates by Cardinal Vingt -Trois in the International Media Certer of Sydney, Monday, July 14, 2008
 

Cardinal Vingt -Trois celebrates the mass in the International Media Certer of Sydney, Monday, July 14, 2008

Pope Benedict XVI (R) and Ecumenical PatrHead of the Catholic Church in Australia Cardinal George Pell leads the World Youth Day opening mass in Sydney July 15, 2008.

 

Pope Benedict XVI and his personal secretary Georg Gaenswein, left,lsten a concert at the Kenthurst Study Centre, in Sydney, Monday, July 14, 2008

Pope Benedict XVI (R) and Ecumenical PatrPope Benedict XVI, center, and his personal secretary Georg Gaenswein, left, and Monsignor Alfred Xuereb walk holding their rosary at the Kenthurst Study Centre, in Sydney, Monday, July 14, 2008
 

Youths walk with flags at the Barangaroo East Darling Harbour in Sydney, Monday, July 14, 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI (R) and Ecumenical PatrPope Benedict XVI walks by a lake at the Kenthurst Study Center in Sydney July 14, 2008


 

Card. Vicar Agostino Vallini celebrates the mass in the Church of Saint Maria in Traspontina.Roma July 13,2008.


 

Pope Benedict XVI (R) and Ecumenical PatrPope Benedict XVI looks on as he meets journalists during a press conference on the flight from Rome to Sydney, Australia, Saturday, July 12, 2008.

 

Pope Benedict XVI gestures during the Angelus prayer from his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome July 6, 2008.

 

Pope Benedict XVI (R) and Ecumenical PatrVatican Gendarmi poses in the Vatican with the new uniforms. Rome July 2 ,2008.


 

Pope Benedict XVI leaves at the end of his weekly general audience at the Paul VI Hall in Vatican July 2, 2008

 

Pope Benedict XVI (R) and Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew I stand in front of the tomb of Saint Peter at the end of a solemn mass to celebrate the feast of Saints Peter and Paul in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican June 29, 2008.




 

Pope Benedict XVI during a solemn mass to celebrate the feast of Saints Peter and Paul in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican June 29, 2008


 

Pope Benedict XVI (L) and Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew I arrive to lead the Vespri's ceremony at the St. Paolo's Basilica in Rome June 28, 2008.



 

Pope Benedict XVI meets with Rome's mayor Gianni Alemanno during a private audience at the Vatican June 28, 2008.

 

Pope Benedict XVI poses with Portugal President Anibal Cavaco Silva during a meeting at his private library, June 28 , 2008, in Vatican, Rome.



 

Pope Benedict XVI with previous Vatican tribunal head, Italian Cardinal Agostino Vallini,named to the high-profile as the pontiff's assistant for the diocese of Rome at the Vatican Friday, June 27, 2008.


 

Pope Benedict XVI caress a child after his weekly general audience at the Vatican Wednesday, June 25, 2008.


 

Pope Benedict XVI poses with the new Grand Master of the Knights of Malta, Matthew Festing (centre L) of Britain, and his entourage during their meeting at the Vatican June 23, 2008.

 

Conference for the Radius Catholic promoted from the Papal Council of the Social Communications.
June 19,2008 in Rome Papal University Urbaniana

 

Pope Benedict XVI poses with Congo's President Joseph Kabila Kabange during a meeting at his private library, June 19 , 2008, in Vatican, Rome.

 

Pope Benedict XVI, wearing a 'Saturno' hat, inspired by the ringed planet Saturn, acknowledges faithful during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Wednesday, June 18, 2008.
 

U.S. President George W. Bush (L) exchanges gifts with Pope Benedict XVI in the medieval St John's Tower at the Vatican June 13, 2008.
 

S.E.Msgr Nikola Eterovic, secretary general of the Synod of Bishops, speaks during the press conference of Presentation of the Instrumentus Laboris of XII the Shareholders' meeting Ordinary of the Synod of the Bishops, in the Press Office to the Holy See in Rome June 12,2008.
 

Pope Benedict XVI waves the faithfull in St Peter's Square in the Vatican during his weekly audience on June 11, 2008.




 

Pope Benedict XVI delivering his speech at the diocese convention on 'Christ is Risen' at St. John the Lateran Basilica in Rome Monday, June 9, 2008
 

Pope Benedict XVI welcomes Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi on the occasion of their meeting at the Vatican, Friday, June 6, 2008



 

Press conference of presentation of the initiatives for the Year Paolino, near the center of the Radius Vatican, Rome, June 5,2008
 

S.E. Card. Jean-Louis Tauran speaks during the X Plenary Assembly of the Papal Council for the Interreligius Dialogue, on the topic " The dialogue in the truth and the charity: guidelines pastoral" near the center of the Ministry,Rome ,June 4,2008


 

Pope Benedict XVI blesses the faithfull as he arrives in St Peter's Square in the Vatican for his weekly audience on June 4, 2008
 

Pope Benedict XVI waves to the faithful during the audience to the pilgrimage of Torino at The Paul VI Hall in Vatican, Rome June 2, 2008.


 

Pope Benedict XVI, next to a statue of Mary, delivers his message on the occasion of a Mass to celebrate the end of the month of May, dedicated by the Catholic Church of the Virgin Mary, in St Peter's Square at the Vatican, Saturday, May 31, 2008.
 

Card. Sanislaw Rylko (President of the Papal Council for the Laici), takes possession of Title of "Sacro Cuore di Gesù" Rome, May 30, 2008

 

Pope Benedict XVI is greeted by Bishops and Cardinals attending the Italian Episcopal Conference session at the Vatican May 29, 2008.
 

Pope Benedict XVI waves as he arrives to lead his weekly general audience in Saint Peter's square at the Vatican May 28, 2008
 

Card. J. Francis Stafford takes possession of the Title of St. Pietro in Montorio, Rome May 25, 2008
 

Card. Angelo Comastri takes possession of the Title of St. Salvatore in Lauro, Rome, May 24,2008
 

Pope Benedict XVI during the mass of suffrage for the Card. Bernardin Gantin, in Basilica Vatican, May 23,2008

Pope Benedict XVI takes part in a candlelit Corpus Domini procession between the basilicas San Giovanni in Laterano and Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome May 22, 2008.
 

Conference of Faculty of Communication of the University Catholic, promoted from the Papal Council of the Social Communications, on the topic " L' identity and the mission of a Faculty in the Communication Cattolica.A university look to the future of the communications with to all the Chiesa" in Vatican, Rome May 22,2008

Pope Benedict XVI caress a child after his weekly general audience at the Paul VI Hall in Vatican May 21, 2008
 

Giuseppe De Carli,Journalist RAI, during the presentation of its book " Benedictus" to Rome, in the Room Conference to it Elea.May 20,2008

 

Rev.do P.Federico Lombardi S.I., speaks during a press conference presenting the "Pavilion of the Holy See " to the Expo Zagaroza 2008 on the topic "Water and Sustainable Development", in the Press Office to the Holy See. Rome May 19, 2008.
 

Visit Pastoral of the Pope Benedict XVI to Savona and Genova May 17-18,2008

 

Pope Benedict XVI greets the faithful before celebrating a mass in Genoa's Piazza della Vittoria square, northern Italy, Sunday, May 18, 2008

 

Pope Benedict XVI looks at confetti falling during a mass with youths prior to his Angelus prayer, in Genova, Sunday, May 18, 2008.



 

Pope Benedict XVI celebrates the holy mass at Piazza del Popolo in Savona May 17, 2008

 

Unidentifire bishop, put on a flower necklacee given to Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter's square at Vatican before his weekly general audience on May 14, 2008.


 

Cardinal Paul Josef Cordes, (President of the Papal Council "Cor Unum"), Takes possession of the Title of St.Lorenzo in Piscibus, Rome, May 11,2008.

 

Pope Benedict XVI holds the pastoral staff as he leads Pentecost Mass in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican May 11, 2008

 

Cardinal Oswald Gracias, (Archbishop of Bombay in India), takes possession of the Title of St.Paolo of the Cross to"Corviale", Rome , May 10,2008.


 

S.S Karekin II,Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of all Armenians, receives a doctorate "honoris causa" in "the theology of youth pastoral care" from the Pontifical Salesian University., Rome, May 7,2008
 

An overview of Paul VI hall as Pope Benedict XVI attends a concert by the Chinese Philharmonic Orchestra at the Vatican May 7, 2008




 

Pope Benedict XVI greets Supreme Patriarch Catholicos Karekin II of the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church (L) as he leads his weekly general audience in Saint Peter's square at the Vatican May 7, 2008


 

New recruits of the Vatican's elite Swiss Guard stand at attention during the swearing in ceremony at Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican May 6, 2008.




 

Vatican Swiss Guards are seen at the Vatican, Tuesday, May 6, 2008, at the end of the ceremony held each May 6 to commemorate the day in 1527 when 147 Swiss Guards died protecting Pope Clement VII

 

Pope Benedict XVI waves to the crowd gathered in Saint Peter's square before his Regina Coeli prayers at the Vatican May 4, 2008



 

The first day of the Azione Cattolica' (Italian Catholic Action) on the occasion of the 140th anniversary of it's foundation in Rome, May 1,2008

 

Pope Benedict XVI kneels to pray as he arrives to celebrate a rosary prayer at Saint Mary Major Basilica in Rome May 3, 2008.
 



 

Pope Benedict XVI waves a groups of Mexican music perform after his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 30, 2008.
 

New priests lie in front of Pope Benedict XVI as he leads a mass in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican April 27, 2008.
 



 

Pilgrims photograph the body of Padre Pio, an Italian saint, laying in repose inside a crystal casket in the crypt of the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, Thursday, April 24, 2008
 

Pope Benedict XVI and Italy's President Giorgio Napolitano (top R) attend a concert marking the third anniversary of the pontiff's election, at the Vatican April 24, 2008



 

Pope Benedict XVI waves incense around the coffin of Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo during his funeral in St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican April 23, 2008

The Yankee Stadium is pictured in this overall view as Pope Benedict XVI celebrates a Mass in New York, April 20, 2008.


 

Pope Benedict XVI prays at Ground Zero in New York, April 20, 2008. Pope Benedict on Sunday made an emotional visit to Ground Zero, site of the World Trade Center felled in the Sept. 11 attacks, and prayed for the 3,000 victims, their families and an end to hate and violence.

Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, the head of the Vatican's Pontifical Council for the Family who campaigned against condoms and embryo experiments, has died aged 72. April 19, 2008





 

Pope Benedict XVI waves before leaving St. Joseph's Seminary after a meeting with youth in Yonkers, New York April 19, 2008


 

Pope Benedict XVI arrives in a convoy at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York to celebrate a Mass Saturday, April 19, 2008.



 


 

Pope Benedict XVI speaks during the visits at the Park East Synagogue in New York April 18, 2008.
 

Pope Benedict XVI addresses the General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York April 18, 2008.


 

 

S.E Rev.ma Mons. Josè L.Redrado speaks during a conference on "Church and Health in the Word" in Rome, April 17, 2008





 

Pope Benedict XVI watches Bishop Dr. Jongmae Kenneth Park, of the Korean Buddhis Taego Order, after greeting him at an Interreligious Gathering at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, April 17, 2008.


 

Pope Benedict XVI addresses representatives of other religions at the Catholic University of America, Thursday, April 17, 2008






 

Pope Benedict XVI greets worshippers as he arrives to lead a Mass at the Nationals Park stadium in Washington, April 17, 2008.

 






 

Pope Benedict XVI waves as he leads a Mass at Nationals Park Stadium in Washington April 17, 2008






 

Pope Benedict XVI holds a vesper service at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington April 16, 2008.
 






 

Pope Benedict XVI and U.S. President George W. Bush chat in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington April 16, 2008






 

Pope Benedict XVI is greeted by U.S President George W.Bush (L) as he arrives at the Andrews Air Force base outside Washington April 15, 2008
 






 

Presentation of the volume "La Slovacchia e la Santa Sede nel XX secolo" to Rome in the Radio center Vatican April 11, 2008






 

Pope Benedict XVI waves as he arrives to lead his general audience in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican April 9, 2008
 






 

Pope Benedict XVI waves as he leaves after celebrating a mass at Saint Bartolomew Basilica on the Tiberina Island in Rome April 7, 2008






 

Cardinal Augustin Garcia-Gasco Vicente takes possession of the Title of San Marcello ,Rome, April 05,2008


 






 

Cardinal Theodoré Adrien Sarr takes possession of the Title of Santa Lucia a Piazza D'armi ,Rome, April 06,2008






 

Cardinal Farina Raffaele takes possession of the Title of St.Diaconia San Giovanni della Pigna ,Rome, April .05,2008

 






 

Most Reverend Donald W.Wuerl Achbishop of Washington D.C. speaks during a conference on " The Pope John Paul II Annual lecture on Interreligius Understanding " in Rome, April 4,2008






 

Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz of Krakow, Pope John Paul II’s longtime personal secretary, speaks at the April 2 opening of the World Apostolic Congress on Divine Mercy at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, April 2,2008
 






 

Pope Benedict XVI arrives to lead a mass to celebrate the third anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II in San Peter square at Vatican April 2, 2008.





 

Pope Benedict XVI acknowledges faithful during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's square, at the Vatican, Wednesday, March 26, 2008






 

Pope Benedict XVI blesses the people as he delivers his Easter 'Urbi et Orbi' (To the City and to the World) benediction in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican March 23, 2008.





 

Pope Benedict XVI holds a candle as he celebrates an Easter Vigil mass in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican March 22, 2008





 

Pope Benedict XVI presides over the Stations of the Cross ceremony at Rome's Colosseum, on Good Friday in commemorating the crucifixion of Christ on March 21, 2008




 

Pope Benedict XVI unveils a crucifix as he celebrates the Holy Friday Passion of the Lord mass in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican March 21, 2008





 

Pope Benedict XVI dries the feet of a priest during the Cena Domini mass in Saint John Lateran Basilica in Rome March 20, 2008



 

Pope Benedict XVI blows inside an amphora containing holy oil during a Chrism Mass inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Thursday, March 20, 2008





 

Pope Benedict XVI leads his weekly general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican March 19, 2008


 

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone during a funeral service for Chiara Lubich founder of the Focolare movement,in the Basilica of Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome March. 18,2008





 

Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Palm Sunday mass in Saint Peter's square at the Vatican March 16, 2008.

 

Chaldean Catholic Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho of Mosul, Iraq, was kidnapped Feb. 29 in Mosul. Archbishop Rahho is pictured Nov. 12 ,2005 after a meeting with Chaldean Bishops that included Cardinal Emmanuel-Karim Delly of Baghdad







 

Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare Movement during a meeting in Rome, Oct 1997



 

Pope Benedict XVI during his weekly general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican March 12, 2008.






 

Fra' Matthew Festing, 58, an Englishman, becomes the 79th Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta, elected this morning by the Council Complete of State,Rome, March 11,2008



 

Father Leonardo Sapienza kisses Pope Benedict XVI's hands as his arrives to celebrates a mass at Saint Lawrence in Piscibus church during a visit to the International Youth Centre in Rome March 9, 2008





 

Pope Benedict XVI poses with Jean-Claude Juncker, prime minister of Luxembourg, during a meeting at the Vatican March 7, 2008


 

Fr. Adolfo Nicolás as new Father General, the Jesuit Congregation during a press conference for the closure of the General Congregation 35, Rome, March 7,2008






 

Bartolomeo I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople during his visit in the Pontifical Oriental Institute , Rome, March 6,2008

 

Pope Benedict XVI (R) embraces Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew I during a private meeting at the Vatican March 6, 2008







 

Dr.Ibrahim Kalin, Seta Fondation, Ankara,Turkey, speaks during a press conference in Rome, March 5,2008

 

Pope Benedict XVI during his weekly general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican March 05, 2008.







 

Pope Benedict XVI (L) receives the credentials from new U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Mary Ann Glendon during a private meeting at the Vatican February 29, 2008
 

A girl speaks with Pope Benedict XVI following a prayer for university students in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican March 1, 2008






 

Pope Benedict XVI looks on during his weekly general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican February 27, 2008.
 

Pope Benedict XVI celebrates a mass at Santa Maria Liberatrice church in Rome February 24, 2008





 

Pope Benedict XVI greets the faithful during the Angelus prayer in St. Peter's square at the Vatican, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008.

 

Pope Benedict XVI delivers his blessing as he arrives in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican for a special audience to present and deliver to students of the Roman Diocese a letter on the 'urgent needs of education', Saturday, Feb. 23, 2007




 

Pope Benedict XVI meets the newly elected Jesuit Superior General Adolfo Nicolas (L) at the Vatican February 21, 2008


 

Bishop Elio Sgreccia, vice president of the Pontifical Academy for Life speaks during the presentation of the International Congress " beside sick the incurable one and to dying: ethical guidelines and acts " to be held Feb.25-26 in Rome. Feb.20,2008








 

U.S. Cardinal Daniel D. DiNardo takes possession of the Title of St.Eusebius,Rome, Feb.20,2008

 

Pope Benedict XVI waves as he arrives to lead his weekly general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican February 20, 2008







 

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state speaks during a press conference presenting the Encyclopedia of the prayer in Lateran University, Rome 19,2008
 

Cardinal John Njue, metropolitan archbishop of Nairobi ,Kenya, takes possession of the Titular chrch of the Title of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ,Feb. 17,2008






 

Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer, takes possession of the Title of St.Andrew al Quirinale, Rome Feb.17, 2008

 

Tens of thousands of pilgrims carrying candles take part in the rosary procession around the Sanctuaries of Our La<<Selection in Document>>dy of Lourdes in Lourdes, France, Feb. 10, on the eve of the 150th anniversary of Mary's first appearance to St. Bernadette





 

  Cardinal Angelo Comastri leads pilgrims carrying Saint Bernardette's relics in occasion of the 150th anniversary of Mary's first appearance to St. Bernadette Soubirous in Saint Peter's Square on Feb.11,2008


 

Pope Benedict XVI shakes hands with Slovenia's President Danilo Turk (L) at the Vatican February 6, 2008




 

Pope Benedict XVI celebrates the Ash Wednesday at the Basilica of St Sabina, on February 06, 2008, in Rome, Italy.


 

Pope Benedict XVI during his weekly general audience at the Vatican Feb 06, 2008.



 

Cardinal Franc Rode celebrates a mass in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican February 2, 2008
 

Cardinal Lubomyr Husar of Kiev-Halych, Ukraine, celebrates the Divine Liturgy at the Santa Sophie in Rome Feb2,2008


 

Pope Benedict XVI poses for a group photo with clergy while visiting the Romano Maggiore seminary in Rome February 1, 2008

Cardinal Christoph Schonborn speaks during the presentation of the first Wold Apostolic congress of Mercy to be held April 2-6 in Rome. Jen 31,2008

 

Pope Benedict XVI during his weekly general audience at the Vatican January 30, 2008.

Cardinal Paul Josef Cordes speaks during a press conference of the presentation of Pope Benedict XVI's lenten message, Rome, Jan. 29,2008
 

  Cardinal Giovanni Coppa, apostolic nuncio, takes possession of the new diaconate of St. Linus. Rome Jan 27th, 2008.

 

Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo, president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and of the Governorate of Vatican City State, takes possession of the diaconate of St. Mary Liberatrice a Monte Testaccio. Rome, Jan 27th, 2008

  Pope Benedict XVI looks at a white dove released by children from the window of his private apartment at the end of the Sunday Angelus prayer at the Vatican January 27, 2008.

 

Pope Benedict XVI leads a Vesper prayer at Saint Paul Basilica in Rome January 25, 2008

 

  Newly elected Jesuit Superior General Adolfo Nicolas addresses a news conference at the order's headquarters in Rome January 25, 2008.
 

Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, President of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications speaks during a press conference presenting the Message for the 42nd World Day of Social Communication, in the Press Office to the Holy See. Rome Jan 24th, 2008.
 

  Pope Benedict XVI waves to the faithful during his weekly general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican January 23, 2008

 

Italian bishop Angelo Bagnasco, the new head of the Italian Bishops' Conference, speaks during a plenary session in Rome Jan 21, 2008


 

  Cardinal Lluis Martinez Sistach, metropolitan archbishop of Barcelona, Spain, takes possession of the title of St. Sebastian at the Catacombs. Rome, Jan 20, 2008
 

Cardinal Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo speaks during a briefing in the press office of the Holy See. Rome, Jan. 21, 2008

 

  Pope Benedict XVI meets with East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta (L) at the Vatican January 21, 2008


 

Spanish father Adolfo Nicolas celebrates a mass at Church of Jesus in Rome, 20 January 2008
 

  A large crowd attends the weekly Angelus prayer by Pope Benedict XVI in St Peter's square at the Vatican January 20, 2008

 

Cardinal Angelo Comastri pets a horse in Saint Peter's square at the Vatican January 17, 2008.

  Former Catholic Archbishop, Emmanuel Milingo, from Zambia presented his book 'Confessions of an Excommunicated' at a Mondadori Bookstore near the Trevi Fountain Square in Rome, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008
 

Cardinal Sean Brady concelebrates his first mass as he takes possession of his titular church of Saint Cyricus and Julitta in Rome, Jan 16th, 2008.
 

  Pope Benedict XVI during a general audience he held at the Pope Paul VI hall at the Vatican, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2008
 

 Pope Benedict XVI speaks with Benin's President Boni Yayi during a private audience at the Vatican January 12, 2008
 

  Cardinal Urbano Navarrete S.J. takes possession of the new diaconate of St. Pontian on Sunday Jan. 13th, 2008

 

 Pope Benedict XVI celebrates baptisms in the Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, January 13, 2008 in Vatican City

 

  Ceremony to start the Vatican's judicial year in the Vatican's Court Palace, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008.

 

 Pope Benedict XVI listens as Rome Mayor and leader of the new Democratic Party Walter Veltroni, unseen, delivers his address, during a private meeting at the Vatican, Thursday Jan. 10, 2008

 

  Pope Benedict XVI waves as he leads the general audience in Paul VI Hall at the Vatican January 9, 2008


 

Pope Benedict XVI (C) attends an audience with Vatican-accredited diplomats at the Vatican January 7, 2008
 

  Former superior general of Jesuits Father Peter-Hans Kolvenbach poses after a mass opening the thirty-fifth general congregation in Jesus Church, in Jesus Place, Rome, 07 January 2008

 

Pope Benedict XVI leads the Angelus prayer from the window of his private apartments in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican January 6, 2008


 

  Pope Benedict XVI leads the Epiphany of the Lord Holy Mass in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican January 6, 2008
 

Pope Benedict XVI (C) visits nuns at the Missionaries of Charity order at the Vatican January 4, 2008


 

  Pope Benedict XVI leads the general audience in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican January 2, 2008

 

Pope Benedict XVI conducts his weekly Angelus prayers in St Peter's square at the Vatican January 1, 2008



 

  Pope Benedict XVI greets children as he celebrates a mass to mark the World Day of Peace in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican January 1, 2008
 

Pope Benedict XVI celebrates the First Vespers and Te Deum prayers in Saint Peter's basilica at the Vatican December 31, 2007



 

  Pope Benedict XVI blesses his faithful as he leads his Angelus prayer from his private apartment's window in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican December 26, 2007


 

Pope Benedict XVI blesses his faithful as he leads his Urbi et Orbi message from the central balcony of Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican December 25, 2007.


 

Pope Benedict XVI leads the Midnight Mass in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican December 25, 2007
 

Pope Benedict XVI holds a candle as he appears at the window of his private apartment following a ceremony for the unveiling of the Vatican nativity scene in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican December 24, 2007.

 

Pope Benedict XVI receives Christmas greetings from the Roman Curia during an audience in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. Rome Dec.21, 2007

President Nicolas Sarkozy of France attends a ceremony at Saint John in Lateran Basilica in Rome December 20, 2007.
 

Pope Benedict XVI (L) meets France's President Nicolas Sarkozy in a private audience at the Vatican December 20, 2007.


 

Pope Benedict XVI salutes the faithful and pilgrims during his weekly general audience inside the Paul VI hall at the Vatican Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007.


 

Pope Benedict XVI gestures as he arrives to lead his Angelus prayer from the window of his private apartment at the Vatican, December 16,2007



 

Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Card. Alfons Maria Stickler’s funeral in St.Peter’s Basilica. Card. Stickler was the oldest living cardinal. Rome Dec.14th, 2007



 

The Dalai Lama gives a lecture at Rome's Auditorium hall. The Dalai Lama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, stopped in Rome for an annual summit of peace laureates organized by a foundation headed by former Soviet leader Gorbachev. Rome Dec. 14, 2007





 

Pope Benedict XVI greets a student of a Roman Catholic University at the end of a mass celebrated by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, not in picture, in St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007





 

Pope Benedict XVI kisses a child during his weekly general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican December 12, 2007




 

British actor Michael York narrates portions of Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz' book, "A Life with Karol," in St. Peter's Square. The book is about the life and ministry of Pope John Paul II, told by Cardinal Dziwicz, who was his personal secretary for almost 40 years. A Polish producer is turning the book into both a TV mini-series and a film for theatrical release. Rome Dec. 11th, 2007



 

 

Roman fireman Felice Minelli lays a garland of flowers on the Virgin Mary statue at the Spanish Steps in Rome, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007



 

 

Pope Benedict XVI greets Metropolitan Kirill before their meeting at the Vatican December 7, 2007




 

  Pope Benedict XVI (L) meets Polish's Prime Minister Donald Tusk during their meeting at the Vatican December 7, 2007



 

 

Pope Benedict XVI (R) meets Albanian's President Bamir Topi during their meeting at the Vatican December 6, 2007



 

 Workers erect a massive fir tree from northern Italy's alpine Val Badia valley, in St. Peter's square at the Vatican, Wednesday Dec. 5, 2007



 

Pope Benedict XVI waves as he arrives to lead his weekly general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican December 5, 2007




 

New cardinal Leonardo Sandri during the taking possession of his titular church of Santi Biagio e Carlo ai Catinari, during a ceremony, in Rome, Sunday, Dic. 02, 2007


 

Pope Benedict XVI delivers his blessing during the Angelus prayer in St. Peter's square at the Vatican, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007



 

Pope Benedict XVI meets Knights of Malta Grand Master Fra Andrew Bertie during a mass celebrated at the Roman Hospital "San Giovanni Battista" of S.M.H.O in Rome, 02 December 2007.


 

Pope Benedict XVI celebrates mass during a Vespers ceremony in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007





 

Cardinal Bertone speaks during the opening day of the Catholic NGO forum. Rome, Nov 30th, 2007

 

A view of the text of the 'Spe Salvi' (Saved by Hope) encyclical letter, signed by Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican, Friday Nov. 30, 2007.



 

Pope Benedict XVI (L) signs his encyclical in a photo released at the Vatican November 30, 2007.

 

Slovenia's Prime Minister Janez Jansa meets Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican November 29, 2007






 

Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino during the press conference for the presentation of the Pope message for the 94th world day of the Pontifical Cauncil for Migrans and travelers , Rome, Nov. 28,2007

 

Pope Benedict XVI greets the crowd during his weekly general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican November 28, 2007.





 

New cardinal John Patrick Foley celebrates a mass, during the taking possession of his titular church, San Sebastiano al Palatino, during a ceremony, in Rome, Nov. 27, 2007
 

New cardinal Angelo Bagnasco kisses a cross, a gesture which symbolizes the taking possession of his titular church, Grande Madre di Dio, during a ceremony, in Rome, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2007




 

Pope Benedict XVI waves at the end of a special audience to thank new cardinals, in Paul VI hall at the Vatican November 26, 2007

Pope Benedict XVI waves to the faithful at the end of a Consistory ceremony in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican November 25, 2007



 

 A newly elevated cardinal attends a Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI, seen in the background wearing yellow, in which he gave each new cardinal a golden ring, inside St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007


 

Pope Benedict XVI during a consistory inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2007


 

Pope Benedict XVI is saluted by a Swiss guard at the end of a session of prayer and reflection with the College of Cardinals, at the Vatican Friday Nov. 23, 2007

 

Pope Benedict XVI waves to the crowd during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican November 21, 2007.

 

Concert by Ennio Moricone at the Vatican, November 20, 2007
 

Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski speaks during a press conference presenting the document " Educating Together in Catholic Schools" by the Congregation for Catholic Education, Rome, Nov.20,2007



 

Pope Benedict XVI greets the faithful during his weekly Angelus prayers overlooking Saint Peter's square at the Vatican November 18, 2007.

 

Mexican Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragan , president of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Ministry speaks during a press conference for the XXII International Conference on " The Pastoral cauncil for the sick and elderly " Nov 14, 2007


 

Pope Benedict XVI descends the Basilica's steps during the weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Wednesday Nov. 14, 2007
 

Mons.Jacques Perrier boshop of Tarbes and Lourdes speaks during a press conference for the celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the Lady of Lourdes, held in the Holy See press office, Rome, Nov.13,2007

 

Pope Benedict XVI blesses the faithful during his weekly Angelus prayers over Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican November 11, 2007
 

Pope Benedict XVI during an audience for Italy's religious brotherhoods at the Vatican 10 November 2007.



 

Pope Benedict XVI (R) offers a gift to Mozambique's President Armando Guebuza during their meeting at the Vatican November 8, 2007


 

Romania's Prime Minister Calin Popescu Tariceanu (R) meets Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican November 7, 2007



 

Pope Benedict XVI kisses a baby as he is driven through the crowd at the end of his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007



 

Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah (L) meets with Pope Benedict XVI (R) at the Vatican November 6, 2007.



 

  Mons.Gianfranco Ravasi speaks during a press conference presenting the International Congress entitled " Ontogenesis and Human Life " in the Vatican Press Office, Rome, Nov.6,2007


 

Archbishop Angelo Comastri poses before the presentation of his volume "L'Angelo mi disse. Autobiografia di Maria" held at the Augustinianum Institute. Rome, Nov.5, 2007


 

  Pope Benedict XVI celebrates a mass to commemorate cardinals who died during the year 2007 in St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican November 5, 2007



 

Pope Benedict XVI waves as he arrives to lead his Angelus prayer from the window of his private apartment at the Vatican in this November 4, 2007