Religion
What it was like inside St. Peter’s Square when the new pope was announced
As Cardinal Robert Prevost's name was announced, a sound of shock rose up. It was something few people had anticipated — the new pope is from the United States.
Who is the new Pope Leo XIV and what are his views?
Pope Leo XIV was born and raised in Chicago. He is of French, Italian and Spanish descent. He spent years working as a missionary in Peru.
Holy white smoke, we have a new pope!
White smoke streamed from a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, signaling to the world that the 133 cardinals inside have elected a new pope. But we don't yet know his identity.
Holy white smoke: New pope selected by Catholic Church
White smoke streamed from a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, signaling to the world that the 133 cardinals inside have elected a new pope. But we don't yet know his identity.
Black smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel as cardinals cast an unsuccessful first vote
Black smoke streamed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the more than 130 cardinal electors have not come to a two-thirds agreement about who the next pope should be.
Syrian Druze recall what they believe to be past lives — even vivid details
In Syria's large Druze minority, a belief in reincarnation binds the community together.
The conclave to choose a new pope is about to begin
As more than a billion Catholics around the world await the election of a new pope, all eyes will be on the Sistine Chapel, where 133 cardinals will begin the secretive process known as a conclave.
Catholic leaders criticize Trump for posting apparent AI photo of himself as the pope
When asked about the image, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York who is friendly with Trump, said "it wasn't good" and that he hoped Trump had nothing to do with it.
The Vatican installs chimney to signal the selection of the next pope
Ahead of the election of the next pope, a chimney was installed atop the Sistine Chapel on Friday, which will help notify the public of the 267th pope.
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.
