After the ballots are pierced, they are burned in a cylindrical stove at the end of the voting session. Black smoke from the ...

A change in popes is a complicated process, with centuries-old rituals involving the transition in leadership for both the ...

Speculation surrounding a conclave to elect a pope is a time-honored tradition. But for the impending conclave following the death of Pope Francis, the ranks of armchair Vatican experts have ...

Pope Francis is being laid to rest Saturday in a ceremony reflecting his priorities as pope and wishes as pastor: Presidents ...

Pope Francis will be laid to rest Saturday after lying in state for three days in St. Peter’s Basilica, where the faithful ...

The conclave's first day begins with the special mass, after which the cardinals file into the Sistine Chapel chanting prayers and hymns, imploring saints and the Holy Spirit to help them pick a pope.

White smoke is seen billowing out from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and announcing that a new pope has been elected on Wednesday, March 13, 2013. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File) The death ... in ...

Cardinals could pick a progressive pope ready to build off the changes Francis brought to the church or a conservative who could ratchet them back.

The public will be able to pay their respects at a viewing in St Peter’s Basilica and a funeral mass will take place before a new pope is elected.

As the Church and the world marks the end of an undeniably ... (Credit: AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File.) Pope Francis, left, meets Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at the helipad of the papal summer ...