COVER

Second Act (Religion)

How Benedict XVI may become more influential after his resignation

A Papal Benediction (Religion)

The 265th Pope's decision to give up earthly power offers the world an unusual — and needed — spiritual lesson

BRIEFING

Impossible Italy (Dispatch)

Pier Luigi Bersani must walk a fine line in messy Italian elections


COMMENTARY

THE CULTURE

WORLD

Dirty Dancing

Did a bitter feud at Moscow's famed Bolshoi Ballet prompt an acid attack on the company's artistic director?

SCIENCE

UNITED STATES

LETTERS

Fiction amid Fact (Inbox)

Reform in China; France's War in Mali; Violence Against Women; Talking Innovation