Vatican News
Without Christ crucified, Church a 'pitiful' organization, Pope says
The day after he was elected, Pope Francis emphasized that every believer – including bishops, cardinals and Popes – must... Read more
Pope Francis' personality begins to change routines
At the first press briefing of Pope Francis' pontificate, a more detailed picture of the new Church’s leader and some... Read more
Pope Francis to cardinals: 'I hope God forgives you'
The newly elected Pope Francis joked with cardinals over dinner telling them he hopes God forgives them for having chosen... Read more
Pope spends half hour asking Mary for protection
Pope Francis made a private visit to Saint Mary Major Basilica this morning and prayed for half an hour at... Read more
New Pope lived simple life in Argentina
Pope Francis lives very simply, brings a pastoral approach to his ministry, and is a man of prayer, according to... Read more
Pope Francis to have busy schedule in coming days
The Vatican has announced Pope Francis' schedule for the coming days, which will begin with Mass on Thursday, March 14... Read more
Pope Francis: cardinals went to end of world to find me
Pope Francis began his first words to the Church by saying that the cardinals “went to the end of the... Read more
Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio elected as Pope Francis
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires has become the next Pope of the Catholic Church, taking the name Francis. Read more
White smoke from Vatican chimney, new Pope to be announced
White smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney on March 13 indicated that the College of Cardinals had chosen a... Read more
Healthier cardinals means earlier smoke signals
The smoke signals that indicate whether or not a new Pope has been chosen might be earlier than in the... Read more
Three cardinals entered conclave with strong candidacies
Last night black smoke poured out of the Sistine Chapel smoke stack, leaving no doubt that a single cardinal was... Read more
No Pope after third round of voting
At 11:38 a.m. local time on March 13, black smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, indicating that the cardinals... Read more
Vatican details how new smoke signals are produced
Varying chemical compounds have replaced wet straw and pitch to produce the Vatican smoke signal that is used to communicate... Read more
Black smoke, no Pope yet
Black smoke rose from the chimney atop the Vatican's Sistine Chapel at 7:42 p.m. local time on March 12, signaling... Read more
Cardinals will begin conclave with songs, prayers and oaths
The doors of the Sistine Chapel will be closed this evening with the declaration “extra omnes” – everyone out, beginning... Read more
Cardinal Sodano prays for Pope generous in charity
The dean of the College of Cardinals celebrated Mass this morning and prayed for a new Pope that will embrace... Read more
Confession key to Church renewal, Cardinal Wuerl reflects
In a March 10 homily in Rome, Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington, D.C. emphasized the importance of the sacrament... Read more
Florists, bus drivers and technicians take oath
This evening 90 people who will assist the Conclave in various capacities took an oath of secrecy not to divulge... Read more
New Pope will have adoration before his presentation
In a change to past papal elections, the new Pope will have the chance to adore Jesus in the Eucharist... Read more
Day before conclave, no clear favorite stands out
“It’s not journalists that vote in the conclave. It’s cardinals,” Mexican Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera said on Sunday, after celebrating... Read more
