Vatican News
Pope Leo XIV: Peacemaker and Openness in an Historic Name
Following Pope Francis, who chose a completely new name in church history, Pope Leo opted for a name steeped in tradition that also conveys an openness to engaging with the modern world.
Chicago Native Cardinal Prevost Elected Pope, Takes Name Leo XIV
Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, the Chicago-born prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops under Pope Francis, was elected the 267th pope May 8 and took the name Pope Leo XIV.
Some Popes were Elected Unanimously, but ‘Acclamation’ Isn’t an Option Now
"If the Holy Spirit is inspiring them, why do the cardinals need more than one ballot to elect a pope?" a person wrote on X shortly before black smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney May 7.
A Morning of Black Smoke from the Sistine Chapel Chimney
The 133 cardinals who entered the conclave failed to reach a two-thirds supermajority of at least 89 votes to elect a new pope during their morning session May 8.
Conclave: First Ballot Fails to Elect Pope
The ballot failed to reach the two-thirds supermajority, or 89 votes, that is required for a new pope to be elected.
Calling on the Holy Spirit and All the Saints, Cardinals Begin Conclave
Invoking the help of the Holy Spirit and recognizing that millions of people all over the world were praying for them, 133 cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel with a singular goal: to elect "a worthy pastor" for the universal church.
As Conclave Begins, it’s Business as Usual at the Vatican … Sort of
As the conclave dominates conversation in Rome—from morning espresso speculation to taxi driver frustrations—tourists continue to line up outside the Vatican Museums, which remain open with limited access to certain treasures.
Choose the Pope the World Needs, Dean Urges Cardinals Before Conclave
At Mass before the conclave that will elect the next pope, the dean of the College of Cardinals urged his brothers to choose the shepherd the church and all of humanity need "at this difficult and complex and tormented" turning point in history.
Pastor, Diplomat, Former Vatican Official from Asia Often Seen as ‘Papabile’
Sri Lankan Cardinal Albert Malcolm Ranjith, 77, a former Vatican official and nuncio, has led the Archdiocese of Colombo since 2009. His experience makes him a notable papal contender.
Papal Ring, Insignia Destroyed at Cardinals’ Final Meeting
On the eve of the conclave that will decide the next pontiff, the ring and lead seal of the late Pope Francis were destroyed in the presence of members of the College of Cardinals in the Vatican's New Synod Hall.