The Latest Breaking News from the Catholic Church

Secret and rigorous voting ritual to elect a new pope set to begin

While cardinals this week said they expected a short conclave, it will likely take at least a few rounds of voting

The Independent UK · May 7, 2025

The election of a new pope is announced with smoke: what do the colours mean, and how are they made?

For nearly 800 years the Catholic Church has utilised the process of the conclave to elect a new pope. “Conclave” means “with a key”, indicating the cardinal-electors are locked up with a key to conduct their deliberations.

The Conversation · May 6, 2025

Cardinals finish pre-conclave meetings in Vatican day before voting for pope starts

The 133 cardinal electors will begin the process of choosing the new pope when the conclave begins in the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday afternoon and they cast their first vote.

Euronews · May 6, 2025

Why world powers are watching the papal conclave with more interest than ever

The next pontiff will have to re-establish cordial and deep relations between the Church and Western countries, especially the US.

Euronews · May 6, 2025

Women in the Catholic Church: Which way will the next pope go?

Pope Francis appointed women to key Vatican posts. Will his successor consider women as deacons and priests next?

Al Jazeera · May 6, 2025

What is a Papal conclave? How will the next pope be chosen?

In the Sistine Chapel, cardinals from around the world will convene on Wednesday to elect the 267th pontiff.

Al Jazeera · May 6, 2025

What do Catholics around the world hope for from a new pope? Some wish for a version of Pope Francis

Among the roughly 1.4 billion Catholics around the world, many are keenly anticipating the upcoming conclave at the Vatican at which members of the College of Cardinals will elect a successor to Pope Francis

The Independent UK · May 6, 2025

How the cardinals will decide who to vote for in the conclave

The 133 cardinals seem fundamentally united in finding a pope who will be able to make the church credible and relevant today

The Independent UK · May 6, 2025

Pope Francis encouraged Christian-Muslim dialogue and helped break down stereotypes

Pope Francis’ pontificate marked a distinct shift in the Catholic Church’s engagement with the Muslim world. While his predecessors fostered dialogue and tolerance, Francis sought more active engagement with Muslims, particularly in the Middle East.

The Conversation · May 5, 2025

A pope of the Americas: What Francis meant to 2 continents

Most stories about Pope Francis mention that he made history as the first pontiff from Latin America. In fact, Francis was the first pope in centuries to be born outside Europe. But what impact did that actually have on the Catholic Church? The Conversation U.S. asked Neomi De Anda, a…

The Conversation · May 5, 2025