Historically, the exact number of votes required to elect a new pope has fluctuated. Under current rules, a minimum ...

For collectors who want to see just how many different Sede Vacante coins they might assemble or even get a sample of, those ...

The shortest conclave ever recorded lasted only a few hours (about 10) and took place on the night between October 31 and November 1, 1503. After the death of Pius III, the cardinals gathered and ...

The next pope will inherit a mixed situation: a church that has grown stronger in certain areas under Francis, yet which ...

The world's eyes are on the Vatican at the moment, with a new pope soon to be decided through the secretive process of the ...

As the conclave tackles the task of selecting his ... was an eighth grader in private school when Pope Pius XII died in 1958. Soon afterward, he remembers, the nun teaching his class switched ...

For Catholics and non-Catholics alike, fascination with the pope and rituals such as the papal conclave continue to transfix and intrigue.

When faced with criticism from a member of the public about his weight, John XXIII (who was pope from 1958-1963) retorted the papal conclave was “not a exactly beauty contest”. Merit ...

What makes a good candidate? When faced with criticism from a member of the public about his weight, John XXIII (who was pope from 1958-1963) retorted the papal conclave was “not a exactly beauty ...

The Conclave to choose the successor of Pope Francis ... The other two longest elections - lasting a total of 4 days - were in 1914 and 1958. In the first case, Giacomo della Chiesa was elected ...

Pictures of Pope Francis's tomb released as it opens to the public in Rome basilica - Followers of the Catholic church are ...

“Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” said Cardinal Kevin ...