The Pope shocked the world this week by announcing his retirement as head of the Catholic church. Here are the best news stories, videos, multimedia and teaching resources about the pontiff's surprise resignation
Pope Benedict XVI resigns - hours later lightning strikes the basilica of St Peter's dome - was it a sign from God? Photograph: Alessandro Di Meo/Ansa
News that Pope Benedict XVI was stepping down as the head of the Catholic church after eight years in the Vatican sent shockwaves around the world. The 85-year-old pontiff's announcement on Monday was the first papal resignation in almost 600 years. We find the best news, multimedia and resources for exploring this historic moment in 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.
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 life of Pope Benedict XVI is explored in this fascinating video which looks at some of the highs and lows of his eight-year tenure as the head of the Catholic church. From his controversial remarks about Islam and the use of condoms in the fight against HIV and Aids in Africa, to the first ever papal tweet.
The life of Pope Benedict XVI is explored in this fascinating video which looks at some of the highs and lows of his eight-year tenure as the head of the Catholic church. From his controversial remarks about Islam and the use of condoms in the fight against HIV and Aids in Africa, to the first 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 is withdrawing into prayer. This news story covers the first public comments on his plans since announcing his resignation, revealing he will continue living within the Vatican walls.
After furious speculation over the Pope's future after stepping down as Roman Catholic leader, the pontiff told priests he is withdrawing into prayer. This news story covers the first public comments on his plans since announcing his resignation, revealing he will continue living within 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 on the papal balcony to some of the more controversial events surrounding his tenure, including his alleged involvement in covering up child sexual abuse claims.
This photo gallery charts the 85-year-old German's eight-year term as Holy See, from his first appearance on the papal balcony to some 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 a great round up of readers' responses to the Pope's resignation - useful for ideas if you're planning on starting a debate with your class on some of the wider issues surrounding this story
Here's a great round up of readers' responses to the Pope's resignation - useful for ideas if you're planning on starting a debate with your class on some of the wider issues surrounding this story
Pope's farewell cartoon
Add a little humour to your lesson with Steve Bell's wonderfully sharp and funny cartoon. A great talking point to kick off a lesson on this historic event.
Add a little humour to your lesson with Steve Bell's wonderfully sharp and funny cartoon. A great talking point to kick off a lesson on this historic event.
Everything you'll ever need to know about the Pope
If you're looking for snappy Pope stats, this is where to head for a full data history of the Catholic head, including a list of all the Popes, average start and end ages and the modern-day country of birth of Popes in the whole history of Papacy. Phew.
If you're looking for snappy Pope stats, this is where to head for a full data history of the Catholic head, including a list of all the Popes, average start and end ages and the modern-day country of birth of Popes in the whole history of Papacy. Phew.
Pope podcast
Wondering who the next Pope will be? Polly Toynbee, Sean Worth, Shiv Malik and Andrew Brown join Tom Clark to discuss the papal election and other political hot potatoes in the Politics Weekly podcast.
Wondering who the next Pope will be? Polly Toynbee, Sean Worth, Shiv Malik and Andrew Brown join Tom Clark to discuss the papal election and other political hot potatoes in the Politics Weekly podcast.
On the Guardian Teacher Network
Rethinking Christianity
Fascinating blog by academic Nigel Fancourt about a project which aims to help schools teach the subject of Christianity more rigorously.
Fascinating blog by academic Nigel Fancourt about a project which aims to help schools teach the subject of Christianity more rigorously.
Choosing my religion
Here's a fantastic resource to start a debate about infant versus adult baptism, getting students to question how people choose their religious beliefs, if at all.
Here's a fantastic resource to start a debate about infant versus adult baptism, getting students to question how people choose their religious beliefs, if at all.
Introduction to the great religions
This is handy little resource for teachers looking to give pupils an introductory taste of the world's six main religions: Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Islam.
This is handy little resource for teachers looking 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 these religious works.
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 these religious works.
Telling the truth
Check out this brilliant Powerpoint resource which aims to contrast Catholic and Kantian teaching on truth telling.
Check out this brilliant Powerpoint resource which aims to contrast Catholic and Kantian teaching on truth telling.
The best of the web
BBC round-up
This helpful video from the BBC gives a great snapshot of what the Pope's resignation means for Catholics and the world. From global government reactions to what happens next with the search for a successor, it does exactly what it says on the tin and provides a pithy explanation of the whole sensational story.
This helpful video from the BBC gives a great snapshot of what the Pope's resignation means for Catholics and the world. From global government reactions to what happens next with the search for a successor, it does exactly what it says on the tin and provides a pithy explanation of the whole sensational story.
Best dressed Pope
Want to know more about the Pope's dazzling white vestments and eye-catching red loafers? Canada's Globe and Mail has put together a colourful photo gallery providing brief explanations on his distinctive garments.
Want to know more about the Pope's dazzling white vestments and eye-catching red loafers? Canada's Globe and Mail has put together a colourful photo gallery providing brief explanations on his distinctive garments.
The next Pope - The Telegraph
The web is already buzzing with speculation over who will be the next Pope. This blog from The Telegraph hopes the new leader of the Catholic church will be black - a world first. Many commentators are tipping Ghanian Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson as a favourite.
The web is already buzzing with speculation over who will be the next Pope. This blog from The Telegraph hopes the new leader of the Catholic church will be black - a world first. Many commentators are tipping Ghanian Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson as a favourite.
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 the very best and why. An interesting look at a religious figure who has been criticised for his deeply conservative views.
Was Pope Benedict VXI great? Archbishop of Liverpool Patrick Kelly seems to think so, telling Channel 4 News he was one of the very best and why. An interesting look at a religious figure who has been criticised for his deeply conservative views.
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