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

Pope Francis’s gestures of openness toward the gay community have led to a more capacious definition and understanding of ...

After the pope has died, the camerlengo, or chamberlain, must certify the death and seal the papal apartment. He runs ...

Many of the rituals and procedures of selecting a new pope — designed to ensure secrecy and an orderly transition — have ...

Each elector swears an oath to protect the church’s freedom and the secrecy of the conclave. As the last oath is complete, ...

Pope Francis, history's first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor but alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change, ...

Cardinals prepare to gather in Rome for the conclave to decide on Francis’ successor and the direction they want the church ...

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis, history’s first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style and ...