Once upon a time, we used to force cardinals into a crumbling old building, without toilets, walls or even much food — all the better to speed things along.

The longest papal election in the history of the Church took place from 1268 to 1271 CE. It involved a clash between two ...

Once upon a time, we used to force cardinals into a crumbling old building, without toilets, walls or even much food — all the better to speed things along.

Following the death of 88-year-old Pope Francis on Easter Monday, several cardinals who were already in Rome, or who traveled ...

The College of Cardinals held its 12th general congregation on Tuesday, where Pope Francis’ ring fisherman’s ring was officially destroyed.

Catholic cardinals from across the globe will gather for the conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor. John Yang takes a deeper look at the high-stakes undertaking to select the next pontiff.

Francis’ successor will be selected by cardinals at the conclave that begins on May 7. Cardinals, known as the “princes of ...

A Pope Francis II would signify continuity, while a choice like Pius would be a clear signal that a traditionalist is taking back the throne.

The announcement “Habemus Papam” — “We have a pope” — from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica is followed first by the ...

When the conclave's cardinals finish casting their ballots under Michelangelo's frescoed ceilings of the Sistine Chapel, the ...

In an era of instant scoops, steady leaks and unlimited rumors, the College of Cardinals stays mum on picking the new pope.

As more than a billion Catholics around the world await the election of a new pope, all eyes will be on the Sistine Chapel, where 133 cardinals will begin the secretive process known as a conclave.