News

Cardinals mull Pope Francis' replacement as Vatican preps for conclave, fireworks expert tests "holy smoke"
As a fireworks expert tests the Vatican's contemporary system for "holy smoke," Catholic cardinals mull their divergent priorities for Pope Francis' successor.
Pope Francis speaks to young people at festival via pre-recorded video
Death did not stop Pope Francis from making a surprise video appearance Sunday before more than 100,000 young people gathered ...
Cardinals could pick Filipino Tagle, 'Asian Francis', as next pope
Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle is sometimes called the "Asian Francis" because of his infectious smile, easy laugh, and ...
Meet Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, a Top Contender to Succeed Pope Francis
The papal conclave—the election of the next Pope—is set to begin on May 7, and will see 133 cardinals gather to vote.
The last pope? An ominous ancient prophecy resurfaces after Pope Francis death.
The folklore of the prophecy of St. Malachy says that Pope Francis may be the very last pontiff. Historians say that's ...
Pope Francis's popemobile set to become health clinic for Gaza children
One of Pope Francis's popemobiles is being transformed into a mobile health clinic for children in the Gaza Strip, fulfilling ...
Pope Francis left unfinished business after a 12-year papacy. What challenges await the next pope?
While Pope Francis accomplished a lot in his 12-year papacy, he left much unfinished business and many challenges for his ...
Betting odds rise for two favorites to be next pope and succeed Pope Francis
Following Pope Francis' death in April, people around the world wagered most often on two cardinals to become the next leader of the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis’ popemobile to be converted into clinic on wheels for children in Gaza — fulfilling his final wish
This vehicle represents the love, care and closeness shown by His Holiness for the most vulnerable, which he expressed ...
Cardinals at a crossroads: While some want to continue Francis’ reforms, others want a different kind of pope
As members of the College of Cardinals prepare for the conclave, they face a profound choice: Build on the late pope’s ...
From Peter to Linus to Francis: How do popes pick their papal names?
When Jorge Bergoglio chose the name Francis upon becoming pope, it was a tribute to his favorite saint. Others took ...
How an accidental email captured what some call Pope Francis's mixed legacy on women
As the Catholic Church mourns the death of Pope Francis and its all-male College of Cardinals prepares to elect his successor, an accidental email sent last month captured the contradictions at the ...