papal history
David Gibson, Religion News Service 3-05-2013
Cardinals at the papal conclave in April 2005. Photo courtesy Rostislav Glinsky/shutterstock.com
“In the church,” Chicago Cardinal Francis George once said, “everything has happened at least once!” That’s no surprise given that the Catholic Church is a nearly 2,000-year-old institution that has adapted to radically different epochs.
But electing a new pope while the former pope is still alive? That’s rare.
So what are some other firsts and lasts, quirks and facts of papal history that you should know? There are plenty, and Religion News Service has compiled a handy guide.