Vatican News

Unity, Not Nationality Led to Pope Leo’s Election, U.S. Cardinals Say

While it is interesting and perhaps even a point of pride that the new Pope Leo XIV was born in the United States, most of the U.S.-based cardinals who participated in the conclave that elected him said nationality was not a factor.

Pope Leo to Inaugurate his Papacy May 18; Has Full Calendar Already

Pope Leo XIV will officially inaugurate his papacy with Mass in St. Peter's Square May 18.

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.