Understanding Baptism makes for a life of constant thanks, Pope Benedict says

Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, spoke about the Sacrament of Baptism. Stressing that Jesus’ baptism was Jesus’ first act of public life, he said that if Christians could fully understand the gift of Baptism, our lives would be ones of constant thanks.

First papal nuncio to U.S. passes away

VATICAN CITY, January 12 (CNA) - On Sunday, Cardinal Pio Laghi, who served as the first papal nuncio to the United States, passed away at the age of 86. Both Pope Benedict XVI and President Bush have offered their condolences.

Holy Father names St. Louis priest as bishop of Knoxville, Tennessee

VATICAN CITY, January 12 (CNA) - This morning, the Vatican announced that Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Msgr. Richard F. Stika of the Archdiocese of St. Louis as bishop of the Diocese of Knoxville, Tennessee.