News

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 ...
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 ...
An American pope? Not likely, say experts on the Vatican conclave assessing chance of Cardinal Timothy Dolan, others
Gibson, of Fordham, said another factor that might throw off the traditional resistance to an American pope is the election ...
Ahead of the conclave, Vatican staff must vow secrecy under threat of excommunication
Cleaners and cooks. Doctors and nurses. Even drivers and elevator operators. All the support staff for the cardinals who will ...
Pre-conclave: Jockeying for a new pope already has started over drinks and dinner in Rome
The secret ballot for a successor hasn’t begun. But among church leaders, talk about who will next lead the 2,000-year-old ...
Trump posts AI image of himself as pope, leaving Catholics offended and unamused as conclave nears
US President Donald Trump posted an AI image of himself as the pope, prompting accusations of poor taste in the Roman ...
Meet Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, a Top Contender to Succeed Pope Francis
The papal conclave—the election of the next Pope—is set to begin on May 7, and will see 133 cardinals gather to vote.
Final preparations before start of papal conclave
Sunday marks the final day of mourning for Pope Francis. The conclave to select the next pope begins on Wednesday. NBC News’ ...