White smoke means a new pope has been chosen, while black smoke signals that a two-thirds majority vote has not yet been reached.

The potential influence of the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics attracts the attention of the secular world as well.

The Swiss Guard, the pope’s iconic bodyguards, look ceremonial but in the pageantry of the Renaissance-style uniform lies the ...

Invoking the help of the Holy Spirit and recognizing that millions of people all over the world were praying for them, 133 ...

As the Catholic Church prepares to elect its next spiritual leader, here’s a detailed look at the centuries-old ritual of the ...

Here is a list of the garments you may see the new pope wearing once he steps out onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s ...

Voting will take place in the Sistine Chapel, with ballots continuing in succession until any candidate secures two-thirds of ...

A conclave will go on for as long as needed. The longest was almost three years from 1268 to 1271. Some have been a day. The ...

The Room of Tears is just a few feet away from the Sistine Chapel, where the monumental decision of the papal election is ...

Who are the U.S. candidates at the papal conclave in Rome? Here's a list of American cardinals that will elect or possibly become the next pope.

The College of Cardinals was set to begin its election of the next pope Wednesday in Rome following the death of Pope Francis ...

The cardinals are being sequestered from the outside world, their cellphones surrendered and airwaves around the Vatican jammed while they're voting.