First Vespers of Advent

Earlier this evening the Holy Father presided over the First Vespers of Advent, marking the beginning of the Church's new liturgical year. The Vespers also marked the first use of the Holy Father's new pastoral staff (below).

Remembering Pope Paul VI

On Sunday 8th November Pope Benedict XVI made a pastoral visit to the northern Italian town of Brescia. The visit marked the 30th Anniversary of the death of Pope Paul VI (1897-1978), a native of the area.

Annual Mass to Commemorate Deceased Cardinals and Bishops (5th November 2009)

Memento mori

Feast of All Souls, 2nd November 2009.

Giovanni Battista Montini

Pictured above one can see the statue of Pope Paul VI (1963-1978) outside the Institute Paul VI. This new building is located next to the house in Concesio, near Brescia, where Giovanni Battista Montini was born in 1897. His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI will visit the house on 8th November, in a visit marking the 30th anniversary of Pope Paul's death (6th August 1978).