Tuesday's top stories

12 Feb 2013

Pope Benedict XVI has become the first pontiff to step down since the Middle Ages. Meanwhile, in Australian sport, the drug scandal continues with four NRL teams confirming they have been mentioned in the report.

Pope Benedict steps down

Pope Benedict XVI has announced that he will step down at the end of the month, stating lack of mental and physical strength as the key reason for his resignation. He is the first pontiff to stand down since the Middle Ages. The ABC has the full story.
Bookies are already placing odds on who will lead the Roman Catholic Church with a successor to be named before Easter Sunday. See who the forerunners are according to bookmakers in the UK.

NRL clubs come forward

Four NRL clubs have come forward, confirming they are among the clubs being investigated. North Queensland, Penrith, Canberra and Newcastle have admitted to being named in the report. Read more.
Meanwhile, Stephen Dank has spoken out about the scandal, saying the Essendon Football Club knew of the supplements program. Read the full story.

One-year-old swim star

She can barely walk, yet swims like a fish. Kate Wood can swim 150m continuously without aid. Over the weekend, the feat took approximately 20 minutes. See what her proud mum has to say.
Do you remember the first time you swam unaided? Share your story on our Facebook page.

Navy SEAL speaks about Bin Laden killing

The Navy SEAL who shot and killed Osama bin Laden has spoken out for the first time about the tense showdown. Sharing gripping details about the raid, he recalls reciting President George W Bush’s quote from September 11. Read the details on News.com.au

Cruise ship adrift

The Carnival Triumph is adrift off the coast of Mexico with more than 4200 people aboard, after an engine room caught fire, crippling the liner. No one has been injured. Read more.

Organiser resigns after stampede

The organiser of the Kumbh Mela Festival in India has resigned after 35 people died in a stampede. Victims were Hindi pilgrims trying to return home after bathing at the Sangam, washing away their sins in the Ganges. The ABC has more.