This reforming pope, renowned for his sanctity, helped solidify the Council of Trent’s legacy and left a visible mark on the ...

When a pope dies or resigns, the Catholic Church follows an ancient, secretive process called the conclave to elect his successor from among the cardinals ...

Pope Benedict was elected in 2005, just after his 78th birthday. Of the 103 popes whose exact age at election is known, Pope ...

The decision was made during a closed-door meeting of the College of Cardinals and announced at a media briefing at the ...

Cardinals have no contact with the outside world after the master of liturgical ceremonies utters the words “Extra Omnes” the ...

The papal conclave will commence in May, when the cardinals will meet at St. Peter's Basilica and pray for the wisdom to select the next pope.

Pope Francis's death at the age of 88 means the Catholic Church must choose a new leader. Here's how cardinals elect the next ...

A Catholic scholar explains every step of the conclave process that will determine the successor to the late Pope Francis.

Catholic cardinals will begin meeting May 7 to choose the next pope — disguising their handwriting while jotting down their ...

Pope Francis, who presided over the Roman Catholic Church and its estimated 1.4 billion followers for 12 years, died April 21 ...

Catholic cardinals on Monday set May 7 as the start date for the conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor, delaying the ...

No cell phones, no PCs, no TV, and even newspaper reading is prohibited. Windows are strictly closed in the Sistine Chapel.