Pope media frenzy shows Church's relevance, author notes

Mar 15, 2013 - 04:04 am .- The unprecedented level of media devoted to the election of Pope Francis is a clear indicator of the importance of the Church today, a Catholic author and blogger reflected.

Former Vatican diplomat sees wisdom of Holy Spirit in Pope's election

Mar 15, 2013 - 12:05 am .- Despite “seeming anomalies” in the election of Pope Francis, a former ambassador to the Vatican said that seeing the event through the eyes of faith can give us a glimpse into the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.

Pope Francis to cardinals: 'I hope God forgives you'

Mar 14, 2013 - 07:23 am .- The newly elected Pope Francis joked with cardinals over dinner telling them he hopes God forgives them for having chosen him.

Jesuit charism is to serve the Church, priest notes

Mar 14, 2013 - 04:03 am .- A Jesuit priest expressed delight at the election of Pope Francis, who is a member of the Society of Jesus, highlighting that the group was founded to serve Christ's Church.

Knights of Columbus voice gratitude for Pope Francis

Mar 14, 2013 - 12:04 am .- Prayers and best wishes are being sent from the Knights of Columbus to Pope Francis upon his election today, March 13.

American bishops overjoyed at election of Pope Francis

Mar 13, 2013 - 06:02 pm .- Bishops across America voiced joy and gratitude over Pope Francis accepting his election as Bishop of Rome and Vicar of Christ on March 13.

New Pope lived simple life in Argentina

Mar 13, 2013 - 03:46 pm .- Pope Francis lives very simply, brings a pastoral approach to his ministry, and is a man of prayer, according to the Vatican’s press office director.

Pope Francis to have busy schedule in coming days

Mar 13, 2013 - 02:56 pm .- The Vatican has announced Pope Francis' schedule for the coming days, which will begin with Mass on Thursday, March 14 in the Sistine Chapel together with the cardinals at 5 p.m.

Pope Francis: cardinals went to end of world to find me

Mar 13, 2013 - 01:55 pm .- Pope Francis began his first words to the Church by saying that the cardinals “went to the end of the world” to find the new Bishop of Rome.

Archbishops Aquila, Chaput welcome Pope Francis

Mar 13, 2013 - 01:50 pm .- American archbishops Samuel J. Aquila and Charles J. Chaput voiced gratitude to Jorge Mario Bergoglio, now Pope Francis, for accepting election as Bishop of Rome and Vicar of Christ today.

Cardinal Bergoglio elected as Pope Francis

Mar 13, 2013 - 01:01 pm .- Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires has become the next Pope of the Catholic Church, taking the name Francis.

Healthier cardinals means earlier smoke signals

Mar 13, 2013 - 09:05 am .- The smoke signals that indicate whether or not a new Pope has been chosen might be earlier than in the past because there are no cardinals in the infirmary.

Three cardinals entered conclave with strong candidacies

Mar 13, 2013 - 08:00 am .- Last night black smoke poured out of the Sistine Chapel smoke stack, leaving no doubt that a single cardinal was unable to reach the two-thirds of the vote needed to be elected the next Pope.

No Pope after third round of voting

Mar 13, 2013 - 05:33 am .- At 11:38 a.m. local time on March 13, black smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, indicating that the cardinals gathered at the Vatican have not yet reached an agreement on the next Pope.

Vatican details how new smoke signals are produced

Mar 12, 2013 - 05:19 pm .- Varying chemical compounds have replaced wet straw and pitch to produce the Vatican smoke signal that is used to communicate the result of conclave voting sessions.

Businessmen join in spiritual bouquet for cardinal electors

Mar 12, 2013 - 04:07 pm .- The Catholic Business Journal is encouraging its readers, radio audience and online subscribers to join in a spiritual bouquet to pray for the cardinal electors as they gather to choose the next Pope.

Black smoke, no Pope yet

Mar 12, 2013 - 12:42 pm .- Black smoke rose from the chimney atop the Vatican's Sistine Chapel at 7:42 p.m. local time on March 12, signaling that the College of Cardinals has not yet come to an agreement in electing the Church's new Pope.

Cardinals will begin conclave with songs, prayers and oaths

Mar 12, 2013 - 09:25 am .- The doors of the Sistine Chapel will be closed this evening with the declaration “extra omnes” – everyone out, beginning the Conclave that will choose the next Pope.

Cardinal Sodano prays for Pope generous in charity

Mar 12, 2013 - 05:45 am .- The dean of the College of Cardinals celebrated Mass this morning and prayed for a new Pope that will embrace the mission of charity with a generous heart.

Thousands sign up for Pope election text message

Mar 12, 2013 - 12:02 am .- Over 35,000 people have signed up for PopeAlarm.com, a service of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students that sends out a free text and e-mail alert when the next Pope is elected.