News
Burning ballots, and the ultimate “permanent record”
A message from the Vatican spells out what happens to the recorded tally of each vote in the papal conclave, even though the ballots themselves -- and other items -- are burned.
How a pope is chosen
Vatican Information Service released the following statement March 13: What do the voting ballots for electing a Pope look like? How are the votes counted? Can Cardinal electors who are sick still cast a vote? The Apostolic Constitution “Universi Dominici Gregis” (UDG) responds to these and many other questions. It was promulgated by Blessed John […]
New pope likely to celebrate installation Mass March 19, spokesman says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Mass for the installation of a new pope could be celebrated March 19, the solemnity of St. Joseph, patron of the universal church. The new pope also would likely recite the Angelus March 17 with visitors gathered in St. Peter's Square.
More black smoke on morning of conclave’s first full day
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- More black smoke poured from the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel at 11:40 a.m. March 13, which seemed to indicate the 115 cardinal electors failed to elect a pope on their second and third ballots.
Black smoke: No new pope on first evening of conclave
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Despite the rain, thousands of people filled St. Peter's Square after dark March 12, the first evening of the conclave, to witness the black smoke that signaled the Catholic Church's 115 cardinal electors had failed, as expected, to elect a pope on the first ballot. The smoke started billowing out of the chimney on the Sistine Chapel at 7:41 p.m. (The cardinals will convene again in the chapel March 13 at 4:30 a.m. EDT to vote in the second and if necessary, subsequent ballots until a new pope is chosen. Stay with CatholicPhilly.com as we report on the latest from the conclave.)
Diocese, other Catholic entities withdraw appeal of ruling on lawsuit
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CNS) -- The Diocese of Nashville and seven other Catholic entities operating in the diocese have withdrawn their appeal of a judge's dismissal of their lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the federal government's mandate to provide health insurance coverage for artificial contraception and other services the church teaches are immoral.
Speculation, suspense: Italian media rife with papal predictions
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Online betting and trending sites were not the only outlets posting their papal predictions. Italian newspapers are historically the boldest and most confident in their daily speculations and conclave scenarios.
Called by name: Keep this list ready when new pope is named
VATICAN CITY — The first clue to the identity of the new pope will be the announcement of his first name — in Latin. If he is not the one chosen, French Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, the top-ranked cardinal-deacon, will say, in Latin, “I announce to you a great joy. We have a pope: His most […]
Arkansas law on fetal heartbeat breaks new ground, supporters say
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (CNS) -- Six days after passing a ban on abortions after 20 weeks' gestation, the Arkansas Legislature approved an even stricter ban. The House of Representatives and Senate voted March 5 and 6 to override Gov. Mike Beebe's veto to approve the Arkansas Human Heartbeat Protection Act, just as they did Feb. 27-28 to override his veto of the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. While the fetal pain bill went into effect immediately, the heartbeat bill banning most abortions at 12 weeks will take effect this summer.
How the papal balloting is scheduled to work
The announced conclave schedule appears below with times listed for Rome, with Eastern Daylight Time in parentheses: March 12 3:45 p.m. (10:45 a.m.) — Transfer from the Domus Sanctae Marthae to the Apostolic Palace. 4:30 p.m. (11:30 a.m.) — Procession from the Pauline Chapel to the Sistine Chapel. 4:45 p.m. (11:45 a.m.) — Oaths, meditation […]