Catholic church

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Here’s what ‘Conclave’ got right — and wrong — about the selection of a new pope

The Oscar-winning film is about the papal selection process. But how accurate is it to real life? Rev. Thomas Reese and Sister Susan Rose Francois weigh in on whether it checks out.

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.

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.

Pope Francis has acute respiratory crises, the Vatican says

Pope Francis experienced more respiratory problems and went on noninvasive ventilation on Monday, the Vatican said, as the head of the Roman Catholic Church battles double pneumonia in the hospital.

Pope Francis experiences respiratory relapse

The Vatican says Pope Francis's condition has worsened after a breathing crisis in hospital on Friday - two weeks after he was first admitted to hospital in Rome with bronchitis.

How is Pope Francis doing? The Vatican says he rested well and met church officials

Pope Francis "rested well throughout the night" in the hospital, the Vatican says, and even met with Vatican officials to sign several documents linked to sainthood designations on Monday.

From his hospital bed, Pope Francis stays in touch with Catholic parishioners in Gaza

Even while Pope Francis is hospitalized, he still keeps in touch with a Roman Catholic parish in Gaza City, making near-nightly phone calls to the priest and congregation there.

Doctors order ‘absolute rest’ for Pope Francis due to respiratory infection

Doctors prescribed "absolute rest" for Pope Francis, the Vatican said Saturday, a day after the 88-year-old pope was admitted to a hospital following a weeklong bout of bronchitis.