Viewpoints @ BBC News Europe

Pope Benedict has led the Catholic Church since 2005, and his papacy has reflected his belief that the Catholic Church should retain its core traditional, conservative values in an era of rapid change.

He rejected calls for a debate on the issue of clerical celibacy, and reaffirmed the ban on Communion for divorced Catholics who remarry. He has also said the Church’s strict positions on abortion, euthanasia and gay partnerships were “not negotiable”.

This outspoken orthodoxy has divided liberals and more traditional Catholics, while the recent leaking of personal documents suggests a lack of control over the machinations of the Vatican.

How has Benedict XVI managed the world’s largest Christian community? We asked six scholars and analysts for their perspective on key areas of the pontificate.

Read more @ Viewpoints: Successes and failures of Benedict XVI

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In pictures: Pope Benedict XVI’s life

More on BBC News: Pope in Pictures

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Pope Benedict holds last public Mass

Pope Benedict XVI has celebrated his last Mass as Pope in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome following the surprise announcement that he is to retire.

He presided over an Ash Wednesday ceremony marking the start of the Roman Catholic Church’s season of Lent.

It came two days after the surprise announcement that the 85-year-old was to retire at the end of the month.

In his homily, he implicitly criticised recent infighting among clerics inside the Vatican.

He said the face of the Church had been marred by divisions and …

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Pope resigns