The death of a pope sets in motion a series of carefully orchestrated rites and rituals well before the conclave to elect his successor begins. They involve the certification of death and public ...

In Harlem, the Abyssinian Baptist Church—a gothic historic megachurch—is a centerpiece for local communities. Rooted in a ...

After the ballots are pierced, they are burned in a cylindrical stove at the end of the voting session. Black smoke from the ...

Vatican City is located in Rome, along the Tiber River. Yes, the Vatican is its own country. In fact, it's the smallest fully independent nation state in the world, according to Britannica. The ...

The death of a pope starts a centuries-old ritual involving sacred oaths by the cardinals electing a successor, the piercing ...

Pope Francis died Easter Monday on April 21, 2025. Here's what we know and what needs to be done to elect a new pope.

The Catholic Church enters a period of mourning while the College of Cardinals prepares to choose the next Bishop of Rome.

Pope Francis, a reformer who rattled the Catholic Church's conservatives and inspired some progressives, has died.

Pope Francis’ transformative vision for the American church made it more open, but also energized conservative resistance that further divided it.

Pope Francis's death sets an ancient machinery into motion. Soon, with a puff of smoke, the last absolute monarchy in Europe ...

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.