Pope Benedict XVI turns down invitation to visit Philippines
Pope Benedict XVI has turned down an invitation to visit the Philippines, Asia's largest Catholic country, this year due to a hectic schedule, a senior Church official said Friday, dpa reported.
Benedict XVI returns to Vatican for first time Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI came home to the Vatican on Thursday for the first time since he resigned Feb. 28, beginning an unprecedented era for the Catholic Church of having a retired pontiff living alongside a reigning one.