What happens when a pope dies? Who picks the next one—and how? From locked doors to smoke signals, discover the secretive process behind the papal conclave.

On Thursday afternoon, white smoke poured from the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City as Catholics and non-Catholics alike around the world watched with great interest to see who would be chosen as the ...

On Thursday afternoon, white smoke poured from the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City as Catholics and non-Catholics alike around the world watched with great interest to see who would be chosen as the ...

The faithful gathered for Sunday Mass for the first time since Chicago native Robert Prevost was selected as the next pontiff. His election marks a meaningful new chapter for the church nationwide.

At a conclave with many new members, a swift, stunning consensus built around an unknown to many outside of the church.

The end of each round of balloting will be signaled by smoke emanating from a stovepipe chimney atop the Sistine Chapel. Black smoke -- fumata nera in Italian -- indicates an inconclusive vote, while ...

Catholic cardinals are gathering at the Vatican to elect the successor to Pope Francis, who died on April 21. Voting will take place in the Sistine Chapel, with ballots continuing in succession until ...

“Robert Prevost was a missionary bishop who gave himself fully to his people and who played an important role in the church of his new country, Peru. In fact, he became a Peruvian citizen,” Canadian ...