'Love', 'mercy', 'forgiveness', are among the words that describe authentic Christian faith.

Among the martyrs approved are Vladimir Ghika, a Romanian priest killed in 1954, as well as numerous priests murdered during the Spanish Civil War. There was also a Dominican priest murdered at the Dachau concentration camp.

Bill Donohue of the Catholic League comments on attempts by the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP) to smear papal candidates.

"I am simply a pilgrim ending the last leg of his journey on earth," said Benedict XVI in his last address as pope.

Full Text of Pope Benedict's final address to the public.

"Cast it into the fire!"

In this first installment in a 4-part series, Spero contributor Jim Thunder analyzes the qualifications required for the incoming Pope, and candidates to US federal office.