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
Aiming Low, Missing Greatness (In the Arena)
A lack of visionary ideas marks the start of Barack Obama's second term
THE CULTURE
Fun in the Sun (Travel)
Brisbane has plenty of both
WORLD
Dirty Dancing
Did a bitter feud at Moscow's famed Bolshoi Ballet prompt an acid attack on the company's artistic director?
SCIENCE
(Very) Close Encounter (Space)
A near miss by an Earth-buzzing rock reminds us of a danger we can't ignore
UNITED STATES
The Most Expensive Weapon Ever Built
The Pentagon's $400 billion F-35 is running into turbulence just as deeper budget cuts loom
LETTERS
Fiction amid Fact (Inbox)
Reform in China; France's War in Mali; Violence Against Women; Talking Innovation