U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Pope Benedict XVI has accepted his invitation to visit the United Nations. During a meeting with the pope at the Vatican last week, Ban said he invited the pontiff to visit the United Nations "at a mutually convenient time."

Pope Benedict XVI celebrated his 80th birthday, Monday, lunching with cardinals and attending a concert at the Vatican. Two years after his election to the papacy, many observers have begun to assess his style, which appears very different from his predecessor. From Rome, Sabina Castelfranco takes a look at Benedict's two years as pope and who he was before being elected.

Pope Benedict XVI says science has narrowed humanity's understanding of the origins of life and that the theory of evolution can neither be proven or dismissed.

The faithful worldwide is invited to join the prayerful thanks to God with Pope Benedict XVI who will mark his 80th birthday with Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square. His birthday is actually on April 16, the day after Sunday, and three days ahead of the second anniversary of his election as pontiff to succeed the late John Paul II.

Yesterday Pope Benedict XVI marked Easter Sunday with a wide-ranging speech on conflicts and "natural calamities" around the world. Pope decried the "continual slaughter" in Iraq and the "growing unrest and instability" in Afghanistan.

Dear Brothers and Sisters throughout the world,
Men and women of good will!

Christ is risen! Peace to you! Today we celebrate the great mystery, the foundation of Christian faith and hope: Jesus of Nazareth, the Crucified One, has risen from the dead on the third day according to the Scriptures.

Homily of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil at St. Peter's Cathedral at the Vatican.

For the second year, Pope Benedict led the traditional Way of the Cross procession in Rome's ancient Coliseum. Thousands took part in the solemn ceremony. For VOA, Sabina Castelfranco reports from Rome.