How do religions choose their leaders? What to know as Catholics prepare for next pope
From conclaves to reincarnation, religious traditions around the world follow different rules when selecting new spiritual leaders. Here’s how major religions make their choices.
From conclaves to reincarnation, religious traditions around the world follow different rules when selecting new spiritual leaders. Here’s how major religions make their choices.
The pope’s regnal name: What it is and why it matters
When a new pope is elected, one of his first decisions is to choose a regnal name — a symbolic gesture that reveals spiritual inspiration, political intent, and historical legacy.
When a new pope is elected, one of his first decisions is to choose a regnal name — a symbolic gesture that reveals spiritual inspiration, political intent, and historical legacy.
White smoke vs. black smoke: What it means for the pope
Following Pope Francis’ death, the Vatican begins the conclave to elect a new pope, with smoke signals from the Sistine Chapel marking the votes.
Following Pope Francis’ death, the Vatican begins the conclave to elect a new pope, with smoke signals from the Sistine Chapel marking the votes.
Conclave schedule: How the Catholic church picks a new pope
Here's when we could see smoke -- and a new pope -- now that the conclave is getting underway in Vatican City.
Here's when we could see smoke -- and a new pope -- now that the conclave is getting underway in Vatican City.
Trump's AI image of himself as pope draws criticism ahead of conclave
President Donald Trump’s latest social media stunt – an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope – sparked immediate backlash.
President Donald Trump’s latest social media stunt – an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope – sparked immediate backlash.
Trump jokes he’d like to be next pope: ‘Number one choice’
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump joked that he would like to be the next pope and then named a real contender. Here’s what he said.
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump joked that he would like to be the next pope and then named a real contender. Here’s what he said.
Date set for conclave to elect next pope, Vatican says: What to know
Catholic cardinals have set a date for the conclave to elect Pope Francis' successor.
Catholic cardinals have set a date for the conclave to elect Pope Francis' successor.
Saints Simon and Jude Cathedral in Phoenix holds special mass for Pope Francis
A cathedral opened its doors on Sunday for a special mass on the legacy of Pope Francis. It all happened on April 27 at Saints Simon and Jude Cathedral off 27th Avenue in Phoenix.
A cathedral opened its doors on Sunday for a special mass on the legacy of Pope Francis. It all happened on April 27 at Saints Simon and Jude Cathedral off 27th Avenue in Phoenix.
Trump at pope’s funeral: Talks with Zelenskyy before Mass
This was the first face-to-face meeting for the two world leaders after their heated exchange in the Oval Office in February.
This was the first face-to-face meeting for the two world leaders after their heated exchange in the Oval Office in February.
When does conclave start? What to know about choosing the next pope
After a period of mourning, cardinals will gather to elect the next pope in the centuries-old ritual known as the conclave. Here’s what we know about its beginnings.
After a period of mourning, cardinals will gather to elect the next pope in the centuries-old ritual known as the conclave. Here’s what we know about its beginnings.
Pope Francis remembered with massive, historic funeral
The funeral for Pope Francis is getting underway soon in Vatican City. The 88-year-old pontiff was known for charming the world with his humble style and concern for the poor.
The funeral for Pope Francis is getting underway soon in Vatican City. The 88-year-old pontiff was known for charming the world with his humble style and concern for the poor.
Pope Francis funeral homily: Watch and read full transcript
Pope Francis was remembered as a “pope among the people" in his funeral Mass Saturday, eulogized by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.
Pope Francis was remembered as a “pope among the people" in his funeral Mass Saturday, eulogized by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.
Pope Francis' funeral: How to watch
Pope Francis’ funeral is set for Saturday in St. Peter’s Square. The former pontiff is to be celebrated by His Most Reverend Eminence Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals.
Pope Francis’ funeral is set for Saturday in St. Peter’s Square. The former pontiff is to be celebrated by His Most Reverend Eminence Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals.
Donald Trump and Pope Francis: A look at their clashes over the years
The differences in beliefs between the two leaders on societal issues seemed to put a strain on their relationship through the years.
The differences in beliefs between the two leaders on societal issues seemed to put a strain on their relationship through the years.
Doctor recalls Pope Francis' final moments in new interview
Pope Francis managed a gesture of farewell before he passed away early Monday. Those around him said it appeared he didn't suffer.
Pope Francis managed a gesture of farewell before he passed away early Monday. Those around him said it appeared he didn't suffer.
Papal conclave: Here's why you won't know the results of the election, other than who wins
The death of Pope Francis means a papal conclave will be held to select a successor, but besides who wins, the public will most likely not know how many votes the successor received, nor would they know much about what happened during the conclave. Here's why.
The death of Pope Francis means a papal conclave will be held to select a successor, but besides who wins, the public will most likely not know how many votes the successor received, nor would they know much about what happened during the conclave. Here's why.
How to watch Pope Francis' funeral
Pope Francis’ funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square and will be led by the dean of the College of Cardinals.
Pope Francis’ funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square and will be led by the dean of the College of Cardinals.
Pope Francis' body moved to St. Peter's Basilica for public viewing
There will be three days of public viewing at St. Peter's Basilica to allow the public to grieve the 88-year-old Pope Francis, who died Monday after suffering a stroke.
There will be three days of public viewing at St. Peter's Basilica to allow the public to grieve the 88-year-old Pope Francis, who died Monday after suffering a stroke.
Why popes are traditionally buried in three coffins — and why Francis broke with tradition
A look at the centuries-old tradition of burying popes in three coffins — and why Pope Francis decided to simplify his own burial rites.
A look at the centuries-old tradition of burying popes in three coffins — and why Pope Francis decided to simplify his own burial rites.
You can bet on the next pope; here's who's currently favored
As the world awaits an official announcement of who will be the next pontiff, here's who the oddsmakers favor to replace Pope Francis.
As the world awaits an official announcement of who will be the next pontiff, here's who the oddsmakers favor to replace Pope Francis.