During a message at the first event of a busy Easter week, newly appointed Pope Francis told priests that their focus shouldn’t be on advancing their own ministry careers or becoming better church managers, but on serving the poor and hurting. Later today, the Pope will break from Vatican tradition and deliver Holy Thursday Mass at a youth prison on the outskirts of Rome, instead of the normal location of St Peter’s Basilica. There, he will wash the feet of 12 young inmates. Pope Francis, known for his humility and emphasis on serving others, made headlines this week when he announced that instead of living at the elaborate palace designated for the pope, would instead be taking up residence at a quiet guesthouse … Discuss

Well, that was weird. Yesterday, following the resignation of Pope Benedict, cameras captured this dramatic image of lightening striking the Vatican. Citing failing health, the 85-year-old surprised followers when he announced he would be stepping down from the ministry on Feb. 28. It’s the first time a pope has resigned since the 1400s. So, if anyone has anything that needs 1.21 gigawatts of power, ask the Vatican ... Discuss

In a shocking announcement that surprised even his closest aids, Pope Benedict released a statement notifying the Roman Catholic Church that he will be stepping down on Feb. 28, telling followers that he no longer has the mental and physical strength required of the position. The 85-year-old said that “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.” The resignation of a Pope is almost unprecedented—the last one to do so was in the year 1415. The Vatican could hold a conclave to elect a new Pope as soon as mid-March … Discuss