Cardinals from 70 countries have begun the secretive conclave in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope, marking the most geographically diverse gathering in the Catholic Church’s history.

White smoke means a new pope has been chosen, while black smoke signals that a two-thirds majority vote has not yet been reached.

The potential influence of the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics attracts the attention of the secular world as well.

The Swiss Guard, the pope’s iconic bodyguards, look ceremonial but in the pageantry of the Renaissance-style uniform lies the ...

Invoking the help of the Holy Spirit and recognizing that millions of people all over the world were praying for them, 133 ...

The deep sea refers to the part of the ocean below 200 meters (656 ft.), at which light begins to disappear. Despite making ...

As the Catholic Church prepares to elect its next spiritual leader, here’s a detailed look at the centuries-old ritual of the ...

Here is a list of the garments you may see the new pope wearing once he steps out onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s ...

Cardinals hold vote for new pope as watch begins for smoke from Vatican chimney - Some 133 Cardinals began their secretive ...

The likes of meat skewers, pasta, potatoes, fish and boiled vegetables are understood to be commonly consumed menu items ...

Members of St. Monica Catholic Church discussed their views just ahead of the start of the conclave of cardinals tasked with electing a new pope.

Now that the 133 cardinal electors are ensconced in the SIstine Chapel to elect a successor to Pope Francis, some potential ...