Rumors, speculation fly over Pope's move
Vatican spokesman tells CBS News' Allen Pizzey that inside the hallowed halls, Church officials are keeping "discreet"
Change At The Vatican
Pope Benedict will be "hidden to the world"
Pope Benedict XVI told a group of priests that, once he resigns, he will be "hidden to the world," and move to a Vatican monastery to live a life of prayer
Emotional farewell as pope leads final public Mass
Weary Pope Benedict XVI celebrates his final public Mass as pontiff, presiding over Ash Wednesday services at St. Peter's Basilica
Pope Benedict XVI's final mass
Once the Pope leaves office, his new title will be Bishop Emeritus of Rome
Pope resigning for "the good of the church"
Day after announcing he will resign, Benedict XVI gets standing ovation as he greets 2nd to last public audience as pontiff
Conclave to begin vote for new pope in mid-March
Vatican says gathering of cardinals to elect Benedict XVI's successor could begin as soon as March 15; Pope explains resignation to adoring crowd
Pope explains his decision to resign
As Vatican says process to elect his replacement will begin after March 15, Pope Benedict XVI tells adoring crowd he stepping down for "the good of the church"
Pope's resignation spotlights aging in world leaders
Leaders like popes and presidents face "extraordinary demands that would tax anybody's physical and mental stamina
St. Peter's Basilica lightning sign for the pope?
Director of college in Rome says God was speaking to Pope Benedict XVI, Church, through natural phenomenon
Catholic Church faces shifting landscape as it ponders new pope
As church's reach erodes in Europe and United States, future appears much brighter in Africa, Asia and Latin America
Vatican reveals papal pacemaker
Pope Benedict XVI may have known as early as last summer that he was going to be the 1st pontiff in almost 600 years to resign
The Pope has a pacemaker
Vatican reveals Pope Benedict XVI has had the implanted chest device for years
Cardinal Wuerl on the selection of a new pope
Cardinal Donald Wuerl, the archbishop of Washington, talks about Pope Benedict XVI stepping down and the challenges faced by his successor
Who will be the next pope?
Just 24 hours after the bombshell announcement that Pope Benedict XVI is resigning, the focus now turns to choosing his successor
Benedict's replacement: Who will it be?
In the murky world of Vatican politics, there's no clear frontrunner to replace Pope Benedict XVI
Pope's surprise resignation sends Church scrambling
Benedict VXI's unusual move leaves Catholic Church rushing to find a new leader by Easter
The murky history of papal resignations
The history of papal abdications is often disputed, but one thing is sure: Pope Benedict XVI is not the first to do it
Who will be the next pope? Bookies offer odds
Cardinals from Ghana, Nigeria and Canada among early betting favorites to replace Pope Benedict XVI; Bono listed at 1,000/1
The world reacts to pope's decision to retire
Shock, sadness and declarations of faith met Pope Benedict XVI's announcement that he would retire Feb. 28.
Electing a pope: A look at the process facing Cardinals
Under oath of secrecy, Cardinals will meet until new pontiff is named; chimney smoke will be only clue to progress
Cardinal Dolan saddened by Pope's resignation
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, spoke with Scott Pelley about how Pope Benedict XVI's resignation makes Dolan admire the Pope even more
Pope Benedict XVI to resign this month
Pontiff surprises world by announcing he will quit job as 265th head of the Roman Catholic Church for health reasons
Vatican: Benedict XVI too weary to remain pope
No specific health problems causing 85-year-old pontiff's resignation, but rather age-related exhaustion, Vatican says
Pope Benedict XVI and the sex abuse scandal
Pope Benedict XVI was the first pope to publicly apologize to victims
Who will succeed Pope Benedict XVI?
Any male Catholic is eligible to be elected Pope, but traditionally, the Cardinals choose one of their own
World
2025 was deadliest year for antisemitic attacks in 30 years, study says
Last year, 20 people were killed in antisemitic attacks outside of Israel, making it the deadliest year for such incidents since 1994.
Singer-songwriter Glen Hansard killed in motorcycle crash
Academy Award-winning Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard has died in a motorcycle crash.
Actor Jared Leto accused of criminal sexual conduct by 4 women
Four women say Hollywood star Jared Leto committed sexual crimes against them when they were teenagers, in interviews with the BBC.
7 charred bodies found in house with narco gang-related messages
Ecuador has become a cocaine trafficking hub, plagued by gangs with ties to Mexican and Colombian cartels.
Russia charges Telegram founder with aiding terrorism, seeks his arrest
Soon after the charges were announced, Telegram's official account on X posted an image of Durov making an obscene gesture.
Live
Trump warns Iran is set to "get a beating" as 5-month war expands
The war in the Middle East is expanding, with Trump threatening Iran with "a beating" and the U.S. and Saudi Arabia jointly strike Iranian proxies in Iraq.
Japan quake toll rises, people still missing in damaged mall and factory
The powerful earthquake that rocked southern Japan has killed at least 18 people and more remain missing in a damaged shopping mall and a paper factory.
U.S. and Saudi Arabia strike "Iran-aligned terrorists" in Iraq
The U.S. and Saudi militaries announced airstrikes late Tuesday on Iranian-backed groups in Iraq, after Iran and its proxies allegedly targeted American forces.
Kenya investigates deaths of 15 elephants in Amboseli National Park
The Kenya Wildlife Service said 10 of the elephants showed signs of partial paralysis before dying within two days.
U.S.
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Schools are testing pepper-spraying drones to stop shooters
Schools in three states will be equipped with drones this coming academic year that aim to find and deter active shooters within seconds.
Maps show where heavy rainfall poses flood risks across Northeast
The storm system that brought dangerous tornadoes to the Midwest earlier this week has now moved into New England, threatening to cause flooding in multiple states.
The gut's link to Parkinson's — and more takeaways from this week's "Healthful"
"Ask a Doctor" columnist Dr. Trisha Pasricha joined "Healthful" to discuss the brain-gut connection.
Live
Watch Live: Fauci invokes 5th in hearing, citing Rand Paul's "unhinged obsession"
Dr. Anthony Fauci is testifying to the Senate on the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, setting up a showdown between the infectious disease expert and GOP Sen. Rand Paul.
Comey claims DOJ ordered illegal surveillance, seeks dismissal of "86 47" case
Former FBI Director James Comey filed new motions late Tuesday in his effort to toss out federal charges accusing him of threatening President Trump's by posting a photo of seashells arranged to form the numbers "86 47."
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Schools are testing pepper-spraying drones to stop shooters
Schools in three states will be equipped with drones this coming academic year that aim to find and deter active shooters within seconds.
U.S. bans humanoid robot imports, eyeing China and national security concerns
The Federal Communications Commission is banning imports of new foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters, citing national security risks, in a move that targets China.
Canadian tourism slumped in the U.S. last year amid heightened tensions
Millions of Canadians shunned travel to the U.S. in 2025, opting to vacation at home or travel to other countries.
Americans face higher back-to-school costs. Here's what's pricier.
U.S. households will spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, a new analysis found.
Johnson & Johnson offers $5.5 billion to settle talc lawsuits
Johnson & Johnson has offered $5.5 billion to settle tens of thousands of lawsuits claiming its baby powder and other talcum powder products caused ovarian cancer, the company says.
Politics
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Live
Watch Live: Fauci invokes 5th in hearing, citing Rand Paul's "unhinged obsession"
Dr. Anthony Fauci is testifying to the Senate on the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, setting up a showdown between the infectious disease expert and GOP Sen. Rand Paul.
Grants halted at agency devoted to safety of U.S. healthcare
Congress appropriated $345 million for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for the 2026 fiscal year, but the agency has spent less than $15 million on grants.
Comey claims DOJ ordered illegal surveillance, seeks dismissal of "86 47" case
Former FBI Director James Comey filed new motions late Tuesday in his effort to toss out federal charges accusing him of threatening President Trump's by posting a photo of seashells arranged to form the numbers "86 47."
U.S. and Saudi Arabia strike "Iran-aligned terrorists" in Iraq
The U.S. and Saudi militaries announced airstrikes late Tuesday on Iranian-backed groups in Iraq, after Iran and its proxies allegedly targeted American forces.
Trump policy clears way for civil commitment of homeless in some states
In the year since President Trump signed an executive order aimed at moving homeless people off the streets, states have expanded involuntary treatment for the homeless.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
The gut's link to Parkinson's — and more takeaways from this week's "Healthful"
"Ask a Doctor" columnist Dr. Trisha Pasricha joined "Healthful" to discuss the brain-gut connection.
Grants halted at agency devoted to safety of U.S. healthcare
Congress appropriated $345 million for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for the 2026 fiscal year, but the agency has spent less than $15 million on grants.
What is postpartum psychosis, the disorder at the center of Lindsay Clancy's trial?
A key question in the Massachusetts murder trial of Lindsay Clancy is whether postpartum psychosis drove her to kill her three children.
William Shatner and daughter Melanie recall fighting Stage 4 cancer together
Actor William Shatner and his daughter, Melanie Shatner Gretsch, recall how they helped each other as they fought Stage 4 cancer side by side.
Carly Simon reveals Parkinson's diagnosis: "Learning how to live with it"
Carly Simon, the singer known for 1970s hits like "You're So Vain," announced she has Parkinson's disease and also was treated for basal cell carcinoma.
World
More World
2025 was deadliest year for antisemitic attacks in 30 years, study says
Last year, 20 people were killed in antisemitic attacks outside of Israel, making it the deadliest year for such incidents since 1994.
Singer-songwriter Glen Hansard killed in motorcycle crash
Academy Award-winning Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard has died in a motorcycle crash.
Actor Jared Leto accused of criminal sexual conduct by 4 women
Four women say Hollywood star Jared Leto committed sexual crimes against them when they were teenagers, in interviews with the BBC.
7 charred bodies found in house with narco gang-related messages
Ecuador has become a cocaine trafficking hub, plagued by gangs with ties to Mexican and Colombian cartels.
Russia charges Telegram founder with aiding terrorism, seeks his arrest
Soon after the charges were announced, Telegram's official account on X posted an image of Durov making an obscene gesture.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Singer-songwriter Glen Hansard killed in motorcycle crash
Academy Award-winning Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard has died in a motorcycle crash.
Actor Jared Leto accused of criminal sexual conduct by 4 women
Four women say Hollywood star Jared Leto committed sexual crimes against them when they were teenagers, in interviews with the BBC.
William Shatner and daughter Melanie recall fighting Stage 4 cancer together
Actor William Shatner and his daughter, Melanie Shatner Gretsch, recall how they helped each other as they fought Stage 4 cancer side by side.
William Shatner, daughter on cancer journeys
Legendary actor William Shatner and his daughter Melanie Shatner Gretsch are opening up about their battles with Stage 4 cancer nearly at the same time as each other. Both are now cancer-free and share how they helped each other through the challenging time.
"The Odyssey" movie sparking interest in book
Moviegoers are turning out in droves for the IMAX spectacle "The Odyssey," but they're also flocking to something else: the 2,700-year-old source material. Matt Gutman has more.
Technology
More Technology
Schools are testing pepper-spraying drones to stop shooters
Schools in three states will be equipped with drones this coming academic year that aim to find and deter active shooters within seconds.
Tech workers warn AI development must slow
The artificial intelligence industry faces internal pressure as developers at top technology companies caution that accelerating AI development is risky, emphasizing that the industry must pace itself and develop oversight. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent reports.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Apple to lease devices
Apple announced on Tuesday a new program called "Apple Upgrade," which allows consumers the option to lease new devices. It applies to everything from watches to laptops. Kelly O'Grady explains.
AI workers sound alarm on the technology
Nearly 1,200 AI workers signed a letter on Tuesday, asking the U.S. government to slow down the development of the technology. Jo Ling Kent has more.
Science
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Science
How plants feel
Science shows us that, even though plants don't have brains, they seem to have a nervous system that responds to touch in remarkable ways. Robert Krulwich and puppeteer Barnaby Dixon explore the science of thigmomorphogenesis (the phenomenon of plants reacting to outside stimulae), a discussion that plants the seeds for a song.
Nearly 30 beluga whales sent to the U.S.
Nearly 30 beluga whales were sent to aquariums across the U.S. in a multinational emergency operation after their home aquarium in Canada shuttered. Jared Ochacher reports.
SpaceX launches first rocket since IPO
Elon Musk's aerospace company, SpaceX, launched its massive Starship rocket in its first test flight since the company went public. Since achieving the largest IPO in history, SpaceX's stock has dropped drastically. Mark Strassmann takes a look.
Wildfire smoke continues to shroud U.S.
Millions of people are enduring dangerous air quality as Canadian wildfire smoke shrouds the skies. Jonathan Overpeck, dean of the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan, explains how climate change is worsening wildfires.
How AI data centers impact the environment
New York has become the first state to impose a temporary moratorium on data center development while state lawmakers lay the groundwork to assess environmental and social impacts. Dr. Mike Weinstein, the director of sustainability at Southern New Hampshire University, explains what we know about the wider environmental impact data centers.
Crime
More Crime
7 charred bodies found in house with narco gang-related messages
Ecuador has become a cocaine trafficking hub, plagued by gangs with ties to Mexican and Colombian cartels.
Georgia teen sentenced for school shooting
Sixteen-year-old Colt Gray was sentenced to life in prison on Tuesday for the 2024 shooting at Georgia's Apalachee High School which killed four people.
Colt Gray sentenced to life without parole
A judge on Tuesday sentenced Colt Gray to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Gray pleaded guilty to killing four people in the deadly 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School. CBS News correspondent Skyler Henry has the latest.
Apalachee High School shooter sentenced to life without parole
Colt Gray, the teenager who admitted to killing four people in the 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School, will spend the rest of his life in prison without parole.
Police seek third Seattle shooting suspect
Seattle police are hunting for a third suspect being linked to a deadly shooting at a food festival near the Space Needle. CBS News' Carter Evans reports.
Space
More Space
Russian Soyuz brings three home after 8 months at space station
The Soyuz MS-28 landing in Kazakhstan brought a 241-day stay in space to a successful conclusion.
SpaceX's Super Heavy-Starship blasts off on 13th test flight
An upgraded version of the world's most powerful rocket is key to landing NASA astronauts on the moon in the agency's Artemis program.
Meteorite that hit home contains "alien world chemistry," experts say
When scientists examined the preserved fragments of a meteorite that crashed in 2024, they found brine-like fluids and key molecules.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Rescue crews search for Japan quake survivors
Emergency search and rescue crews are combing through the mangled wreckage of buildings after a devastating earthquake rattled southern Japan, killing over a dozen people. CBS News' Anna Coren has the latest details.
Video of U.S. woman before going missing
Newly released surveillance video appears to show missing North Carolinian Liz Waddell just before she vanished while on vacation in Grenada. CBS News' Cristian Benavides has more on the investigation.
Rescue effort underway after Japan quake
Rescuers are still searching for survivors after a powerful earthquake hit southwestern Japan on Tuesday, killing at least 18 people. Four people died inside a shopping center that collapsed from an explosion one hour after the quake struck. Anna Coren reports.
Tech workers warn AI development must slow
The artificial intelligence industry faces internal pressure as developers at top technology companies caution that accelerating AI development is risky, emphasizing that the industry must pace itself and develop oversight. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent reports.
Trump and Zelenskyy say talks went well
President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said their meeting at the White House went well. The two discussed licenses for Patriot interceptor missiles and diplomacy with Russia. CBS News' Aidan Stretch has more.