Interregnum

The Latest

Sister Mary Barron speaks at the eighth Novendiales Mass for Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica, Saturday, May 3, 2025.

At Novendiales Mass, Pope Francis hailed for ‘unwavering confidence’ in women religious

May 3, 2025

By Daniel Payne

Sister Mary Barron said at the Mass that the late pope “invited us out into the world and among all... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Mass in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta on May 1, 2020, the feast of St. Joseph the Worker.

11 powerful quotes from Pope Francis about St. Joseph and his ‘father’s heart’

May 1, 2025

By Jonah McKeown

On the feast of St. Joseph the Worker (May 1), here are some of the most beautiful and powerful quotes... Read more

Cardinal William Goh speaks during an interview with EWTN News on April 19, 2024, in Singapore.

Asian cardinal asks for prayers to discern what kind of pope the Church needs

Apr 30, 2025

By Nicolás de Cárdenas

“It is urgent and important that you all pray for us so that we can discern what kind of pope... Read more

Cardinal Camillo Ruini answers questions at the Vatican press office on June 17, 2014.

Cardinal who chaired Medjugorje commission offers 4 criteria for the conclave

Apr 30, 2025

By Walter Sánchez Silva

In an article titled “Prayer for the Church of the Near Future,” Cardinal Camillo Ruini proposes four aspects of the... Read more

Pope Francis during a general audience.

A long friendship and unforgettable hug: The day Pope Francis forgot he was pope

Apr 30, 2025

By Julieta Villar

The face of Brother Juan of the Community of the Lamb went viral last week in a video recalling an... Read more

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, OFM Conv, archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, delivers the homily during the fourth day of Novendiales Masses for Pope Francis on April 29, 2025.

Full text: Homily of Cardinal Gambetti on fourth day of Novendiales

Apr 29, 2025

By Cardinal Mauro Gambetti

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, OFM Conv, archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, delivered the following homily during the fourth day of Novendiales... Read more

Pope Francis with Missionaries of Charity in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Sept. 15, 2022.

8 gestures of austerity and love for the poor by Pope Francis

Apr 29, 2025

By Diego López Marina

Since his time as archbishop of Buenos Aires, Pope Francis was already known for his humility, closeness to the poor,... Read more

Thousands depart St. Peter's Square after praying the Holy Rosary for Pope Francis, Monday, April 21, 2025

CNA explains: ‘Sede vacante’ and ‘interregnum’ — what do they mean? 

Apr 23, 2025

By Jonah McKeown

A highly regulated process has now begun that will see Pope Francis’ earthly body laid to rest and a conclave... Read more

A panoramic view of St. Peter’s Square filled with faithful attending Easter Sunday Mass at the Vatican on April 20, 2025.

CNA explains: What happens during the Vatican’s 9 days of mourning for the pope? 

Apr 22, 2025

By Courtney Mares

Rooted in ancient Christian and Roman customs, the Novendiales is a period of nine consecutive days dedicated to mourning the... Read more

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From sede vacante to conclave: Key terms to know at the start of a papal transition

Apr 22, 2025

By Matthew Bunson

Here are some of the key words and phrases that will be used throughout the interregnum, especially the conclave to... Read more

Pope Francis meets with the United States bishops at St. Matthew's Cathedral in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 23, 2015.

Remembering Pope Francis’ 2015 visit to the United States

Apr 22, 2025

By Jonah McKeown

Pope Francis, who died on April 21 at the age of 88, visited the United States just once, nearly 10... Read more

Cardinal Kevin Farrell on May 2, 2017.

Who is Cardinal Farrell, the camerlengo and a key figure in the papal transition?

Apr 21, 2025

By Hannah Brockhaus

Cardinal Kevin Farrell is a key figure in the papal succession because of his appointment in 2019 as the camerlengo... Read more

Flowers are laid in memory of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Monday, April 21, 2025.

CNA explains: What happens to Pope Francis’ remains after death?

Apr 21, 2025

By Hannah Brockhaus

In the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the process is divided into three steps, called “stations.” Read more