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Bells tolled Thursday for the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the German theologian who made history by retiring, as thousands of mourners packed St. Peter's Square.
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Doctors are constantly monitoring the 95-year-old's condition, the Vatican said Wednesday. Pope Francis has asked the faithful to pray for the retired pontiff.
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The surprise move is seen as a rebuke to Pope Francis, who is weighing whether to allow older, married men to be ordained in some South American countries, where a shortage of priests is acute.
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"March madness" is around the corner. So is the selection of a new pope. Religion News Service is bringing the two together.
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Citing his age (85) and diminished strength, the pontiff plans to step down effective Feb. 28. It's likely that a conclave to elect a new pope will be held by mid-March. A pope hasn't stepped down this way since 1415.