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Vatican

The Vatican is the seat of the Roman Catholic Church and its head, the pope.

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Trapattoni to Meet the Pope

World Youth Day 2005

The world's largest gathering of Catholic youth takes place in Cologne in mid-August. DW-WORLD looks at the event and offers insight on the issues at stake when 800,000 Catholics meet to celebrate their religion.

Benedict's First 100 Days Stress Continuity

Pope Benedict XVI has big shoes to fill as successor to the beloved John Paul II. In his first 100 days in office, he's largely walking the same theological path as his predecessor, although his style is his own.

Pope to Meet Muslim Leaders in Cologne

Ratzinger Uncovered in Guide to Pope's Bavaria

Not content with providing guided tours of his current address, an Italian entrepreneur based in Germany has copied the business ideas of her Vatican-based cousins by compiling a guidebook to the pope's Bavaria.

The Vatican's "Soccer Missionaries"

The Vatican is not well known for its promotion of sports but with its new sports radio channel, the Holy See is attempting to coax back its flock through the healing power of sport, specifically soccer.

A German Mini-Me Pope to Cuddle

Now you can have that feeling of being part of the flock everywhere you go thanks to a new portable Benedict XVI pope doll which makes penance possible wherever you may be.

Papal Apartment for Sale in Bonn

One Month on, Pope's Plans Still Unknown

Since taking office last month, Pope Benedict XVI has worked hard to reassure and stabilize the Catholic church. However, while following his predecessor's line so far, questions remain about his own future plans.

John Paul II on Fast Track to Sainthood

Pope Benedict XVI announced on Friday that he had started the process to beatify his predecessor John Paul II, dispensing with rules that require a five-year waiting period before the sainthood procedure can start.

Pope Versus Potter in Reading Ring

Just a couple of weeks after his elevation to the lofty heights of head of the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI is giving Harry Potter a run for his money in the literary popularity stakes.

Fighting the Devil in Rome

The first college course on exorcism is being offered at a Catholic university in Italy. Already, priests from around the world are flocking to Rome to participate and study psychology, law and a history of satanism.

VW Golf For Sale: One Papal Owner

It doesn't promise to save those on the highway to hell or put the new owner on the expressway to heaven but the modest six year-old VW Golf making waves on eBay does have something of the divine about it.

New Pope Meets German Pilgrims

Pope Benedict XVI received German pilgrims in the Vatican just one day after his official inauguration. The Bavarian pontiff told his countrymen that he had prayed not to be made head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Pope Benedict XVI Installed

Pope Benedict XVI was inaugurated as pope Sunday as the Catholic Church unveiled its full pomp and pageantry in a joyous ceremony in front of world leaders and up to half a million pilgrims in Saint Peter's Square.

Germany's New Monarch

Royalty-obsessed Germans now finally have a new sovereign to call their own: As the new pope, Benedict XVI became the Vatican's head of state on Tuesday, but he'll still keep his German passport.

Germany's Pope

Click here for DW-WORLD's dossier on Benedict XVI.

Pope Stresses Interfaith Dialogue

Pope Benedict XVI says he's open to dialogue both within his own Church and with other faiths during his first public Mass Wednesday, signaling a commitment to continue the reconciliatory stance of his predecessors.

From a Small Bavarian Town to the Papacy

If his past statements are any indication, Pope Benedict XVI will continue to tread the conservative line that was among the defining characteristics of his predecessor's long reign.

Conclave Begins, World Waits for Smoke

The conclave to choose the next Pope begins in the Sistine Chapel on Monday. Experts say the cardinals are split on who to pick.

Mini-State Euros Demanding Big Prices

The deaths of Pope John Paul II and Monaco's Prince Rainier have been a boon for coin collectors. The euro coins from the world's smallest countries have become collector items -- and demand a high price.

Vatican Intrigue in Days Before Conclave

Roman Catholic cardinals preparing to elect a successor to John Paul II held a final round of meetings Saturday. On Sunday, they move into the Santa Marta residence, where they will stay throughout the conclave.

The Vatican in transition

Special coverage on Newslink

Focus Turns to Papal Succession

For all its stately solemnity, the funeral Friday of John Paul II means attention now moves to choosing a successor. Cardinals have more than a week to reflect before meeting for their secret conclave.

Pope Already a Saint, Mourners Say

Although the pope isn't yet officially a saint, mourners around the world are already calling him one and want church officials to make it a reality as quickly as possible.

Sea of Humanity Floods Vatican

Millions of pilgrims from around the world are traveling to Rome to pay their final respects to John Paul II. But the city is buckling under pressure and wants the devoted to stay home and watch the funeral on TV.

Passing of a Pope

Catholics around the world are mourning John Paul II's death after almost 27 years as their leader. Read about the pope's passing and the search for his successor in this DW-WORLD dossier.

Pope's Funeral Set For Friday

After a solemn procession across St. Peter's Square, the embalmed body of John Paul II goes on public view Monday, giving hundreds of thousands of people the chance to pay a final farewell to their beloved pontiff.

The Question of Succession

With the death of Pope John Paul II, a chain of events laid down by centuries of papal tradition swung into action, but who will emerge as the next pontiff is a guess no one dares to hazard.

A Life at Odds With the Germans

Pope John Paul II's only travel abroad this year was supposed to be to Germany. In the country of the Reformation, the first pope from Poland had strained relations with both Catholics and non-Catholics in Germany.

What Happens After the Pope Dies?

After the death of Pope John Paul II, a strict procedure of events is set into motion leading to the burial and election of a successor. DW-WORLD looks at the key steps for the next several days.

World Leaders Mourn Pope’s Death

World leaders expressed sorrow over the passing of John Paul II and commended him for his tireless dedication to promoting peace and human rights around the globe.

John Paul II Leaves His Mark on Europe

Pope John Paul II played a larger role in current world events than any other pope in history. In Europe, his name will be inextricably tied to the fall of Communism in eastern Europe.

Pope John Paul II Has Died

After suffering heart failure, the 84-year-old pontiff passed away in his private apartment on Saturday at 9:37 pm, the Vatican said. Around the world people mourned the death of one of the longest-serving popes.