Popes - a podcast by BBC World Service

It has been 10 years since Pope Benedict XVI announced his shock resignation. It was the first time in almost 600 years that a pope had stepped down.

In this programme, we hear stories about the history of the papacy, including how a pope is chosen, the inception of Vatican II and what happens when a pope dies.

Contributors:

Giovanna Chirri - former Ansa journalist
Catherine Pepinster - former editor of Catholic newspaper, The Tablet
Cormac Murphy-O'Connor - Cardinal
John Strynkowski - Monsignor
Beniamino Stella - Cardinal
Don Davide Tisato - former professional footballer
Felice Alborghetti - journalist from the Centro Sportivo Italiano

(Photo: Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. Credit: Getty Images)

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