Topic: Sistine Chapel

In interviews, new Pope Francis confirms commitment to poor

Pope pays hotel bill: Pope Francis sheds luxuries of previous popes

Pope Francis paid his hotel bill and thanked the staff this morning, just one of many signs that he wants a simpler lifestyle than his predecessor, Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI.

Election of Pope Francis fuels hopes for Catholic reform (+video)

The election of Francis is being interpreted as a victory for reform-minded cardinals, and may herald sweeping changes for the scandal-beset Catholic Church.

Global News Blog Pope Francis: A prelate who has preached against 'huge inequities'

The first pope from Latin America has highlighted in recent years the region's yawning gap between rich and poor. 

Pope Francis emerges to cheers of 'Viva il Papa'

The selection of Jorge Bergoglio, a Jesuit from Argentina, to be the next head of the Catholic Church electrified Rome.

Pope Francis: First Latin American pope in Catholic history

Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected to be the new pope of the Roman Catholic church. Pope Francis is the first Latin American and Jesuit pope. 

Habemus Papam? No. In the meantime, more papal speculation

Cardinals in Rome remain locked in deliberations to determine the next leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics.

After three votes in Rome, no pope chosen yet

Black smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel for the third time Wednesday. Cardinals voted twice Wednesday morning and two more votes are expected in the afternoon.

First round of Vatican voting: Black smoke says no pope yet

The cardinals took their first vote today for a new pope, but black smoke billowing above the Vatican's Sistine Chapel signaled the cardinals have not yet reached a majority.

Africa Monitor Why an African pope might not signal change of course for the church

There have been popes from Africa before and Catholicism on the continent is currently characterized by deep social conservatism.

An American pope? What could help, or hinder, two cardinals' chances.

The US cardinals' experience dealing with the sex abuse crisis is seen alternately as a strength and a weakness. But other factors make any American a dark horse candidate to be the next pope.

Who's on the short list to be the new pope?

As the cardinals seal themselves away in St. Peter's Basilica to begin their deliberations over the next leader of the Catholic Church, a handful of frontrunners have emerged.

Global News Blog Papal conclave through the Twitter looking glass (+video)

As the Papal conclave gets underway in Rome, the Twittersphere is lighting up with final farewells from some of the 115 cardinals, as well as comedians.

What are the chances of an American pope? This time, not zero (+video)

Until recently, American candidates faced unease about US hegemony. With the end of the cold war and decline in American power, a couple of US cardinals are getting serious attention. 

Sistine Chapel chimney installed, Vatican prepares for new pope

On Saturday the chimney that signals the election of a new pope was installed on the top of the Sistine Chapel. Pope Benedict XVI's personal seal and fisherman's ring were also destroyed as the cardinals prepare for the start of the conclave Tuesday.

For next pope, cardinals want youngish, polyglot MBA-type (+video)

Issues of governance at the Vatican are weighing on the men who will pick the next leader of the Catholic Church.

Chapter & Verse Choosing the Pope: Looking back at the process through the ages

History professor Frederic J. Baumgartner discusses how the leader of the world's largest Christian faith has been chosen in the past and what that means for the current selection.

Cardinals hold first pre-conclave meeting in Rome amid scandal (+video)

The Vatican says most of the 115 cardinals have arrived to begin the process of selecting the next pope of the Catholic Church. But there are other issues for them to deal with.

Benedict resigns papacy: 'I am simply a pilgrim'

Benedict is keeping his papal name and white robes, along with the title 'Emeritus Pope,' but he has pledged his loyalty to his successor.

Pope Benedict bids emotional farewell

Amidst tens of thousands of supporters, Pope Benedict used his final weekly general audience to say goodbye. His resignation will become official at 8 p.m. Thursday. He will reside in the papal summer home for a couple of months before moving on to a quiet retirement in the Vatican Gardens. In the meantime, the Church's cardinals will pick a successor. 

With Pope Benedict's retirement, the where is clearer than the how (+video)

Workers are renovating a former nunnery in the Vatican to house the retired pope. How he will interact with his future successor remains uncertain. 

Pope may change rules to speed up next pope selection

Cardinals around the world have already begun informal consultations by phone and e-mail to construct a profile of the man they think would be best suited to lead the church.

Pope makes one of his final appearances, Rome braces for change (+video)

On Sunday, upward of 100,000 people attended a blessing by Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Square, one of the pope's final public appearances. Rome and Vatican City are bracing for large crowds of pilgrims and tourists expected for the election of the new pope. 

What is a conclave? 7 things to know.

What, exactly, is a conclave? And how does it work? Here are 7 key points to understanding how the Vatican prepares to elect a pope.

Pope Benedict XVI announces he's stepping down (+video)

The Pontiff said he's physically unable to carry out duties as head of the Roman Catholic church and will resign by the end of February.