Franco Pisano

A Vatican document to regulate the life of the institutes that live separated from the world, addresses the autonomy of monasteries, their federation, their separation from teh outer world and formation. New social media "must be used with sobriety and discretion, not only with regard to content but also to the quantity of information and the type of communication".

Pope Francis’ Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia "about love in the family" is published. The family is founded on marriage, it is central to the life of the Church and every society, which should support it, rather than hold it hostage; the family has rights such as education, which cannot be violated; the family should not be confused with other forms of union. "Unity of teaching and practice is certainly necessary in the Church, but this does not preclude various ways of interpreting some aspects of that teaching or drawing certain consequences from it."

On several occasions, the current pope highlighted Pope John XXIII's humility and surrender to God's and John Paul II's consistency, courage and missionary strength as examples of how the Catholic world ought to be.

The Apostolic Exhortation " Evangelii Gaudium”. Evangelization, the programmatic manifesto of the papacy, must find "new paths" and "creative methods" . A "healthy decentralization”. An economic system "unjust at its roots". "Authentic attacks on religious freedom". "There is an inseparable link between our faith and the poor ". " No one can demand from us that we relegate religion to the secret intimacy of the individual". Islamic countries must "ensure freedom to Christians to worship and live their faith."

Encyclical "Lumen fidei", begun by Pope Benedict XVI for the Year of Faith published. Faith is not an "illusion of light", but awareness of the love of God in history. "Since God is reliable, it is reasonable to have faith in Him, to base our certainties on His Word." Faith is linked to truth and love, a “way" for those who do not believe, is "to serve the common good."

Since 1271, electors for the 'Roman pontiff' have been locked up 'cum clave'. Since 1059, only cardinals are involved in selecting Peter's successor. No phones, mobile or iPads are allowed inside. Current rules are the result of lessons learnt through time. A majority of two thirds is needed of those present and voting. Upon election, the new pope goes to the 'Room of Tears'.

The fundamental question that the 115 cardinals convoked to conclave must face in a few days is: what are the issues that the Church of Benedict XVI's successor must face, and how. The answer to this question leads to the second question: Who is the most suitable for the task?

Already years ago he had said resignation was dutiful if not able to "fulfill the duties of office." He will retire to a former convent in the Vatican. "Very personal" decision, Father Lombardi excludes any "interference" with successor. Who should be elected by the end of March.

Benedict XVI addresses the issue of his stolen documents. For Mgr. Becciu "an immoral act of unprecedented gravity". Father Lombardi: "cultivate" a sense of balance "in describing the facts" to avoid giving rise to speculation. "The Dan Brown syndrome: creating an aura of mystery and conspiracy.

Benedict XVI’s third encyclical is dedicated to an integral human development in charity and in truth. The economy needs ethics to function correctly, and ethics that is in favour of the human person. No to a development that exploits workers and nature and that does not respect the rights of man and the right to life. Abortion and birth control are at times imposed on poor Nations. Respect for Religious Freedom. Technology risks becoming a new ideology.

Benedict XVI leaves Friday for an “important, interesting and complex” journey. In Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories he will visit Holy Sites, bring his support to Christians and meet with Muslims and Jews.

The Vatican is paying homage to the work of the patriarch, who "in a period of great change" made the Russian Orthodox Church capable of "facing the challenges of transition from the Soviet era to the present one," and is recalling his "personal commitment" to relations with Catholics.