Correction Appended

The controversial ads by the British Humanist Association (BHA) carrying the slogan, "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life," which were put up on buses in London about four years ago, were sold in an online auction.

"Own a little bit of atheist and humanist history," says BHA on its website, inviting bids for the original ads, measuring 3.96 meters x 0.5 meters, from people around the world. more >>

A prominent U.K. cabinet minister has said that gay couples cannot provide a "warm and safe environment" in which to raise children, voicing his opposition to the recent parliament vote that went in favor of same-sex marriage.

"I regard marriage as an institution that has developed over many centuries, essentially for the provision of a warm and safe environment for the upbringing of children, which is clearly something that two same-sex partners can't do," said Welsh secretary David Jones, according to ITV. The Conservative MP insisted, however, that he is not homophobic and that he has "people in my life who are important to me who are gay".

Jones' comments come less than two weeks after a major vote on plans to change the traditional definition of marriage as between one man and one woman in the U.K. by 2015. MPs overwhelmingly supported the change by a 400-175 vote, with nearly half of conservatives voting in favor of same-sex marriage – inspired by Prime Minister David Cameron, the leader of the Conservative Party, who has been on the forefront of advocating for same-sex marriage. more >>

A new Polish movie premiering at this year's Berlin film festival is causing a stir because of its focus – a gay Roman Catholic priest.

"In the Name of" premiered on Friday in Berlin, and is expected to be especially controversial in Poland, a country which is still heavily Catholic, and may be troublesome to conservative Christians. The movie follows the life of a gay Roman Catholic priest who suffers through loneliness while working with troubled youths in Poland involved with drugs and alcohol.

"They (the Catholic Church) don't want to change anything. The church does not fit in with modern society," Director Malgoska Szumowskatold said, according to Reuters. more >>

The Vatican admitted on Tuesday that Pope Benedict XVI has been fitted with a pacemaker for his heart after an operation a number of years ago, but denied that there was any one particular health issue behind the pontiff's decision to retire at the end of February.

Benedict XVI, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, shocked many Monday morning with the announcement that he would be stepping down from his position at the end of the month.

"After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry," the pope said in a statement. more >>

World-famous atheist and evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins took to Twitter on Monday to comment on Pope Benedict XVI's decision to retire as head of the Roman Catholic Church, mocking the pontiff for a "wasted life" and no sex.

"I feel sorry for the Pope and all old Catholic priests. Imagine having a wasted life to look back on and no sex," Dawkins wrote on his Twitter page. The God Delusion author was referring to the life of celibacy that Catholic priests are required to take when choosing the path of ministry.

Pope Benedict XVI announced on Monday morning that he will be stepping down from his position on Feb. 28, citing his "advanced age" for his decision. The 85-year-old pontiff will become the first pope in over 600 years to retire. more >>

The head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales has admitted to being "shocked and surprised" by the announcement today that Pope Benedict XVI will retire at the end of the month.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols said it was a decision "of great courage and characteristic clarity of mind and action."

"The Holy Father recognizes the challenges facing the Church and that 'strength of mind and body are necessary' for his tasks of governing the Church and proclaiming the Gospel.

"I salute his courage and his decision," he said. more >>