Pope’s call first thought to be a prank

Pope Francis is known for his informal style. This has charmed the masses, but doesn’t work so well over the phone.

According to a story in the Daily Mail, the pontiff rang a Vatican receptionist directly, which is apparently a papal no-no. The disbelieving man thought the call was a prank, and said, “Oh, yes? And I’m Napoleon.”

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Vatican rejects Argentina 'Dirty War' claims against pope

The Vatican on Friday rejected claims that Pope Francis failed to do enough to protect two priests kidnapped and tortured during Argentina's military rule, saying he had in fact helped save lives.

The first pope to hail from Latin America has been criticised by leftists for his actions during Argentina's "Dirty War" in which 30,000 people died or disappeared from 1976 to 1983.

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Pope urges end to hypocrisy at final mass

Pope Benedict XVI urged an end to "religious hypocrisy" and "rivalry" in the Catholic Church as he donned his papal mitre for the last time for an emotional mass in St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday.

The 85-year-old pope was hailed with a standing ovation and waves of applause from a congregation of thousands where many broke down in tears, as cardinals doffed their mitres in a final gesture of respect.

Wearing the purple robes of Lent -- a period of penitence for Christians -- the pope was conveyed through the basilica's vast nave on a mobile platform that underlined his growing infirmity.

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Pope Benedict to resign, says no longer has strength to fulfill ministry

ROME (Reuters) - Pope Benedict surprised the world on Monday by saying he no longer had the mental and physical strength to cope with the demands of his ministry, becoming the first pontiff to step down since the Middle Ages and leaving his aides "incredulous".

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