Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at age 88 after complications from a stroke and heart failure. Cardinals under 80 will vote in a closed conclave at the Sistine Chapel to elect the next pope. Black ...

Black smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Wednesday and again Thursday morning indicated that a new pope had not yet been chosen to replace Pope Francis. Using smoke to communicate to the ...

Catholic cardinal electors from six continents gathered Wednesday inside the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican for the 2025 conclave to select a new pope. After the first round of voting, black smoke was ...

Crowds cheer in St. Peter's Square as white smoke billows from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican on May 8, 2025, indicating the election of a new pope. (CNS photo/Pablo Esparza) A few ...

It offers a rare glimpse into this ancient ritual, which is a process of prayer, discussion, spiritual reflection and divine guidance as cardinals make their selection ...

When Catholics around the world welcomed the first American pope, AP reporter Nicole Winfield was on the ground in Vatican City.