News

Pope Francis left unfinished business after a 12-year papacy. What challenges await the next pope?
When the conclave's cardinals finish casting their ballots under Michelangelo's frescoed ceilings of the Sistine Chapel, the ...
Cardinals wrap up pre-conclave meetings still uncertain about who should follow Pope Francis
There is a famous quote attributed to then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger in 1997, in comments to a Bavarian television station.
As Vatican staff take oath of secrecy for 2025 conclave, some contentious issues await the new pope
Should the Catholic Church welcome gay families? Should it welcome women at the altar? As 133 cardinals prepare for the 2025 ...
How Pope Francis shaped the papal conclave to reflect a changing church
For the first time, the majority of cardinals to choose a pope are not from Europe, as Catholic demographics shift. But ...
Who are contenders to succeed Pope Francis? A look at the leading candidates.
Here’s a look at some of the leading papal contenders, with the proviso that favorites don’t typically end up getting the nod ...
Cardinals mull Pope Francis' replacement as Vatican preps for conclave, fireworks expert tests "holy smoke"
As a fireworks expert tests the Vatican's contemporary system for "holy smoke," Catholic cardinals mull their divergent ...
What do Catholics around the world hope for from a new pope? Some wish for a version of Pope Francis
Among the roughly 1.4 billion Catholics around the world, many are keenly anticipating the upcoming conclave at the Vatican ...
Conclave live: Speculation grows over who will be named new Pope while cardinals gather for secret election
Speculation grows over who will be named new Pope while cardinals gather for secret election - Italian Cardinal Pietro ...