Pope Benedict

Rumours the pontiff could step down after pushing through reforms and struggling with ailing health

Church-commissioned report says the former pontiff ‘perpetuated a culture of trivialising’ abuse of minors

Your guide to the best columns and commentary on Tuesday 14 January

Benedict says he ‘cannot keep silent’ on the issue in new book

Archbishop breaks cover and calls for pontiff to resign as ideological battle lines are drawn

Fears former pope's move back into Vatican could make him 'lightning rod' for Pope Francis' critics

Shy Argentine cardinal emerges as warm, engaging speaker who knows how to use the press

'He told me he'd become a priest if he couldn't marry me,' claims 76-year-old. 'Luckily I said no'

Pontiff reveals he has struggled with 'burden' of role saying 'it seemed like the Lord was sleeping'

Italian newspaper claims Pope Benedict XVI's resignation is linked to an 'explosive' report

Lawyers say atheists Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins may have case against Benedict