News that Pope Benedict XVI was stepping down because the head of the Catholic church after eight years within the Vatican sent shockwaves all over the world. The 85-year-old pontiff’s announcement on Monday was the primary papal resignation in almost 600 years. We discover the very best news, multimedia and resources for exploring this historic moment within the classroom.
From the Guardian
A sign from God
Video footage shows a lightning bolt striking the Vatican’s St Peter’s Basilica, just hours after Pope Benedict XVI announced his surprise resignation on Monday.
The life and times of Joseph Ratzinger
The lifetime of Pope Benedict XVI is explored on this fascinating video which looks at one of the most highs and lows of his eight-year tenure because the head of the Catholic church. From his controversial remarks about Islam and using condoms within the fight against HIV and Aids in Africa, to the 1st ever papal tweet.
Pope’s goodbye to the world
After furious speculation over the Pope’s future after stepping down as Roman Catholic leader, the pontiff told priests he’s withdrawing into prayer. This news story covers the 1st public comments on his plans since announcing his resignation, revealing he’ll continue living in the Vatican walls.
Pope Benedict XVI – in pictures
This photo gallery charts the 85-year-old German’s eight-year term as Holy See, from his first appearance at the papal balcony to a couple of the more controversial events surrounding his tenure, including his alleged involvement in covering up child sexual abuse claims.
Pope Benedict XVI – readers respond
Here’s an outstanding round up of readers’ responses to the Pope’s resignation – useful for concepts if you are planning on starting a debate together with your class on among the wider issues surrounding this story
Pope’s farewell cartoon
Add a bit humour for your lesson with Steve Bell’s wonderfully sharp and funny cartoon. an awesome talking point to kick off a lesson in this historic event.
Everything you’ll ever want to know in regards to the Pope
If you are looking for snappy Pope stats, it’s where to go for an entire data history of the Catholic head, including an inventory of your complete Popes, average start and end ages and the trendy-day country of birth of Popes inside the whole history of Papacy. Phew.
Pope podcast
Wondering who the subsequent Pope could be Polly Toynbee, Sean Worth, Shiv Malik and Andrew Brown join Tom Clark to talk about the papal election and other political hot potatoes within the Politics Weekly podcast.
On the Guardian Teacher Network
Rethinking Christianity
Fascinating blog by academic Nigel Fancourt a few project which aims to assist schools teach the topic of Christianity more rigorously.
Choosing my religion
Here’s an amazing resource to begin a debate about infant versus adult baptism, getting students to impeach how people choose their religious beliefs, if in any respect.
Introduction to the good religions
This is handy little resource for teachers seeking to give pupils an introductory taste of the world’s six main religions: Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Islam.
Holy books
What’s in a book Help your pupils understand why certain scriptures and books are important to the world’s main religions and discover the origins of those religious works.
Telling the truth
Check out this brilliant Powerpoint resource which aims to contrast Catholic and Kantian teaching on truth telling.
The better of the web
BBC round-up
This helpful video from the BBC gives a very good snapshot of what the Pope’s resignation means for Catholics and the sector. From global government reactions to what happens next with the hunt for a successor, it does exactly what it says at the tin and give a pithy explanation of the entire sensational story.
Best dressed Pope
Want to grasp more in regards to the Pope’s dazzling white vestments and eye-catching red loafers Canada’s Globe and Mail has prepare a vibrant photo gallery providing brief explanations on his distinctive garments.
The next Pope – The Telegraph
The web is already buzzing with speculation over who would be the next Pope. This blog from The Telegraph hopes the hot leader of the Catholic church might be black – a global first. Many commentators are tipping Ghanian Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson as a fave.
Was Pope Benedict VXI great Channel 4 News
Was Pope Benedict VXI great Archbishop of Liverpool Patrick Kelly seems to think so, telling Channel 4 News he was one of many splendid and why. An engaging examine a spiritual figure who have been criticised for his deeply conservative views.
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