Conclave

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White smoke rises from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on March 13, 2013, signaling that the College of Cardinals has elected a new pope.

Anonymous Cardinal ‘Demos II’ proposes agenda for next pope 

Mar 5, 2024

By Walter Sánchez Silva

An anonymous cardinal offers seven suggested tasks for the next successor of St. Peter. Read more

Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda, SJ, takes possession of his titular church in Rome, the Church of the Gesù, on Dec. 8, 2022.

Canon lawyer denies involvement in papal election reform, calling reports ‘a pure lie’

Nov 6, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

Reports said Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda had been tasked by Pope Francis with drafting revisions to conclaves. Read more

Pope Francis leads the prayer at the general congregation of the Synod on Synodality at the Vatican on Oct. 6, 2023.

The cardinals at the Synod on Synodality: A prelude for the next conclave?

Oct 11, 2023

By Andrea Gagliarducci

While not exactly a dress rehearsal for an upcoming conclave, the Synod on Synodality provides a setting for numerous cardinals... Read more

Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti with Pope Francis

ANALYSIS: How to interpret Pope Francis’ choice of new cardinals

Jul 11, 2023

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Pope Francis has appointed the overwhelming majority of cardinals who will choose his successor. Read more

Pope Francis delivered an address before praying the Regina Caeli on Divine Mercy Sunday April 16, 2023.

Analysis: Here’s how Pope Francis could influence the choice of his successor

Apr 18, 2023

By Andrea Gagliarducci

By the end of 2023, nearly 70% of the cardinals eligible to become the next pope will have been appointed... Read more

Pope Francis holds an Ordinary Public Consistory in the Consistory Hall of the Apostolic Palace, May 3, 2021.

Who will vote for a new pope after Francis? A look at the cardinals by the numbers

Aug 25, 2022

By Jonah McKeown

On Aug. 27, Pope Francis will create 20 new cardinals, bringing the total number in the college to 229.  Read more

Pope Francis at the general audience on Aug. 18, 2021.

Analysis: What's behind rumors that Pope Francis will resign?

Aug 30, 2021

By Andrea Gagliarducci

According to an Argentine priest who has known Pope Francis since his days in Buenos Aires, "there is only one... Read more

Cardinal George Pell at the annual Eucharistic procession at the Angelicum in Rome, May 13, 2021.

Cardinal George Pell turns 80, loses right to vote in papal conclave

Jun 8, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

Cardinal George Pell turned has turned 80 years old, losing his eligibility to vote in a future papal conclave. Read more

Cardinals gathered in St. Peter's Basilica for a consistory, Nov. 4, 2012.

What changes may be coming to the College of Cardinals in 2021?

Feb 25, 2021

By Andrea Gagliarducci

When Cardinal Gabriel Zubeir Wako turns 80 on Feb. 27, the cardinals eligible to vote in a conclave will drop... Read more

Pope Francis creates five new cardinals during a consistory in St. Peter's Basilica on June 28, 2017.

The College of Cardinals in 2021: Who could vote in a future papal conclave

Jan 6, 2021

By CNA Staff

As of the first month of 2021, the College of Cardinals is composed of 229 members, 128 of whom are... Read more

The College of Cardinals celebrates Mass March 12, 2013 before entering the Sistine Chapel for the papal conclave.

Cardinal Re elected new dean of the College of Cardinals

Jan 25, 2020

By Courtney Mares

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re has been elected the new dean of the College of Cardinals with Cardinal Leonardo Sandri as... Read more

Author, cardinals spar over reports of conclave campaigning

Dec 4, 2014

The 2013 papal conclave that elected Pope Francis is news again now that four cardinals have denied a new book’s... Read more

The Vatican's Sistine Chapel is prepared in advance of the conclave March 10, 2013.

Before Pope's election, conclave warned of Europe's waning faith

Aug 8, 2013

When Cardinal Prospero Grech delivered a meditation to the cardinal-electors at the beginning of the 2013 conclave, he emphasized the... Read more

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York.

Cardinal Dolan recalls conclave experience in new book

Jul 3, 2013

In a new e-book, Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan offers his personal insight into a momentous time in the Church's recent... Read more

Pope Francis greets the young man who asked for advice on dealing with doubts at the June 7, 2013 meeting.

Pope gives children advice on facing doubts about faith

Jun 7, 2013

Setting aside his prepared text, Pope Francis tackled questions from children about having faith in times of doubt, his friends... Read more

St. Peter's Square.

Pope media frenzy shows Church's relevance, author notes

Mar 15, 2013

The unprecedented level of media devoted to the election of Pope Francis is a clear indicator of the importance of... Read more

Ambassador Jim Nicholson.

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

Mar 14, 2013

By Carl Bunderson

Despite “seeming anomalies” in the election of Pope Francis, a former ambassador to the Vatican said that seeing the event... Read more

Cardinal Timothy Dolan speaks at the North American College on March 13, 2013.

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

Mar 14, 2013

The newly elected Pope Francis joked with cardinals over dinner telling them he hopes God forgives them for having chosen... Read more

Pope Francis.

Jesuit charism is to serve the Church, priest notes

Mar 14, 2013

By Carl Bunderson

A Jesuit priest expressed delight at the election of Pope Francis, who is a member of the Society of Jesus,... Read more

Knights of Columbus voice gratitude for Pope Francis

Mar 13, 2013

Prayers and best wishes are being sent from the Knights of Columbus to Pope Francis upon his election today, March... Read more