Pope

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Vatican says hospitalized Pope Francis is showing ‘gradual, slight improvement’

The 88-year-old pontiff is responding well to the treatment for double pneumonia and has shown a "gradual, slight improvement" in recent days, the Vatican said Saturday.

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’ hospital stay is extended due to ‘polymicrobial infection’

The 88-year-old pontiff was initially admitted to the hospital on Friday for bronchitis. On Monday, the Vatican said test results show Francis has "a polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract."