Religion
Conclave to elect the next pope will commence on May 7
The decision was made at the Fifth General Congregation, held on Monday morning in the Vatican's Synod Hall. The conclave will take place in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel, which will remain closed to visitors during those days.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols expects a ‘mood of reflection’ at his first conclave
As he prepares to enter the seclusion of a conclave to elect a new pope, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster, reflects on diversity and sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.
Photos: Pope Francis is laid to rest and mourned around the world
Pope Francis was honored with a funeral Mass Saturday morning in the Vatican City's St. Peter's Square. These are some of the images that captured the grief of those mourning him around the world.
Watch live: Crowds of mourners and dignitaries pay respects to Pope Francis
A day of remembrance, mourning and celebration as thousands gather in Rome to pay their respects and say farewell to Pope Francis.
A Jewish baking tradition rises in the age of Instagram
Shlissel challah is a special loaf baked the first sabbath after Passover. We trace the modern route by which the bread has spread beyond the ultra-orthodox world to everyday Jewish bakers.
What it’s like in the church Pope Francis chose as his final resting place
Pope Francis will be buried in St. Mary Major church, not Saint Peter's Basilica, in a break with tradition.
How to watch Pope Francis’s funeral, and what to expect
Pope Francis's funeral begins in Vatican City at 4 a.m. ET on Saturday and will end with his burial in Rome. Here's what to know about the day's events — and how Francis is breaking with tradition.
Who are the cardinals selecting the next pope?
The conclave to select a new pope will be sharply different from the body that chose Francis in 2013. Experts say that could make it harder to predict what the conclave will do.
Word of the Week: The papal ‘conclave’ is secretive. The word’s origin explains why
The word itself predates Christianity, but the conclave with its secretive deliberations and ancient trappings still captures the public's curiosity.
Pope Francis’ body lies in state ahead of Saturday funeral
Pope Francis' body lies in state for public viewing at St. Peter's Basilica as the Vatican prepares for his funeral on Saturday.
Gaza’s Catholics mourn Pope Francis. ‘He used to call us at 7 p.m. every night’
Pope Francis called to check in on a Christian congregation in Gaza sheltering at their church almost every night since the Gaza war began. "Today we feel like we are orphans," a spokesperson says.
After Pope Francis’ death, debates begin over his successor
In the weeks that follow the passing of a pontiff, the city of Rome, and the Vatican in particular, comes alive with discussions over which man is best suited to next lead the Church.
Public viewing for Pope Francis begins Wednesday ahead of Saturday funeral
Faithful from around the world are pouring into the Vatican, where Pope Francis' body will go on display Wednesday, ahead of a funeral Saturday.
A look back at Pope Francis’ life and legacy
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis died Monday, the day after Easter, at the age of 88. As the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, he was the first Latin American pontiff, the first non-European pope in more than a millennium, and he left behind a legacy of service, unity, and compassion.
Do you have memories of Pope Francis to share? Send them our way
Pope Francis, one of the most popular popes in decades, has died. As the world mourns and reflects on his legacy, NPR would like to hear your stories.
Pope Francis is remembered around the world for his generosity of spirit
The pope's death at the age of 88 ends a 12-year papacy that began with the historic resignation of Francis' predecessor in 2013.
Catholics across the U.S. grieve, pray and reflect on the pope’s legacy
Parishioners pray at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Monday in New York. (Yuki Iwamura | AP) In New York City, mourners gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Monday to […]
Who is Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the acting head of the Vatican?
Kevin Farrell is the camerlengo, or acting head of the Vatican, until a new pope is elected. Here's what to know about Farrell, who was born in Ireland and spent much of his career in the U.S.
The Pope enjoyed broad support among U.S. Catholics
A parishioner prays at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Monday, April 21, 2025, in New York. (Yuki Iwamura | AP) As tributes to Pope Francis pour in, many people are remarking on […]
Who will be the next pope? Here’s how the conclave works
Pope Francis's death sets an ancient machinery into motion. Soon, with a puff of smoke, the last absolute monarchy in Europe will get a new leader.
The world mourns the passing of Pope Francis
The international community reacts to the death of Pope Francis, a global figure whose influence went beyond the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis, who reached out to the margins of society, has died at 88
The pope was a strong advocate for the poor and the environment and a towering figure on the world stage, addressing not just Catholics but the men and women of our time.
Pope Francis appears on Easter Sunday to cheers as he recovers from pneumonia
"Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!" Francis said, his voice sounding stronger than it has since his hospitalization. "Viva il Papa!" (Long live the pope), the crowd responded.
A Texas Easter tradition connects the generations
Cascarones are confetti-filled egg shells that families smash over each other's heads as part of Easter celebrations in Texas and Northern Mexico.
Jewish students at Georgetown protest detention of professor Badar Khan Suri
More than 130 Jewish students, staff and alumni from Georgetown University signed a public letter opposing the detention of Badar Khan Suri, saying that President Trump's policies make Jews less safe.
Defrocked former D.C. Cardinal Theodore McCarrick dies at 94
Theodore McCarrick, a once-powerful Catholic cardinal who was defrocked by Pope Francis in 2019 after a Vatican investigation determined he had molested adults and children, has died.
Supreme Court seems ready to let religious groups opt out of unemployment compensation laws
The case was brought by a chapter of Catholic Charities in Wisconsin, which says that it should be able to opt out of the mandatory state unemployment compensation system.
Catholic Charities tests Wisconsin’s unemployment payment system at Supreme Court
A chapter of Catholic Charities in Wisconsin contends it should be exempted from the state's unemployment compensation system because it's a charitable organization with a religious mission.
What Ramadan has been like this year in Gaza, from ceasefire to war
For the first week of Ramadan, Palestinians in Gaza marked the holy month with a respite from war. Then Israel broke a ceasefire with Hamas. The fighting and blockade mean there's little to celebrate.
These churches offer shelter and sanctuary to vulnerable migrants. Here’s why
Some are offering sanctuary to immigrants, others are ministering to families in different ways.
Pope Francis makes first public appearance ahead of hospital discharge
The Pontiff's expected discharge comes after a five-week hospitalization for a severe respiratory infection.
This Harlem pastor fights mental health stigma — and shares his own struggles
First Corinthian Baptist Church founded a separate nonprofit that employs therapists to bring mental health care to a community where stigma remains a high barrier to healing.
