John Paul II

Visitors to the Vatican often overlook the historical significance of the building's floors, which are frequently made from re-purposed bits of ancient history.

You’d better watch where you walk the next time you visit the Vatican

Culture

The Vatican is dense with art and history — every arch, piece of art and ceiling has a story to tell. But so do the floors, which are easy to miss. Whether paved with marble from the Coliseum or sporting mosaics from ancient villas, the floors of the Vatican have much to tell.

A bronze statue inside the Vatican of the late Pope John Paul II, who died in 2005 and became a saint on April 27, 2014.

Want to become a saint without dying for the cause? It’s not easy

Pope Benedict XVI set to resign at month’s end, citing decline in strength

Lifestyle & Belief

Pope Benedict makes first visit to Cuba

Lifestyle & Belief

Pope Benedict XVI to Resign This Month

Pope Visits Cuba

Pope Benedict XVI arrives in Cuba today after a three-day visit to Mexico. It’s his first time visiting both countries.  During his visit to the island nation, the Pope says he hopes to build on the dialogue and cooperation ushered in by his predecessor, John Paul II – whose visit in 1998 was considered groundbreaking. How […]

Sainthood: The Beatification of Pope John Paul II

Rome is teeming with Catholic tourists this weekend, who have arrived to witness the beatification of the late Pope John Paul II. The beatification is the third of four steps of sainthood –  and John Paul II is on the fast track. Pope Benedict XVI vowed to make his friend and mentor a saint and will […]