Pope Francis
Pope Leo’s stance on key issues, from climate change to LGBTQ+ rights to U.S. politics
Pope Leo is seen as a centrist who shares his predecessor's progressive views on certain social issues. Here's what we know so far.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Are you eligible to be the next pope? Find out in the quiz
If you've paid attention to pope selection, COVID websites, national defense and libel cases, you'll do great this week!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Pope Francis is still in critical condition, but he had another ‘restful night’
Francis, 88, has been in critical condition for several days and he has remained absent from several regular appearances. The church has encouraged worshippers around the world to pray for his health.
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.
Pope rests in his 10th day of hospitalization but remains in critical condition
Francis, 88, had remained in critical condition throughout the weekend after severe breathing difficulties were reported.
Pope Francis has pneumonia in both lungs, Vatican says
Pope Francis has pneumonia in both lungs, according to the Vatican. There's concern about the ability of the 88-year-old pontiff to fight off the infection.
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.
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."
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.
