The word conclave comes from the Latin “cum clave,” literally “with a key,” which conveys the image of the cardinal electors being locked in the Sistine Chapel until the new pope is elected.

Nutritionist Giorgio Calabrese, an Italian doctor who specializes in nutritional science, prepared the menu for the cardinal electors who have kicked off the conclave to elect the next pope.

As the conclave gets underway, all eyes turn to the small chimney atop the Sistine Chapel. From this simple metal tube will emerge the long-awaited white smoke that will announce the election of the new pope.

Colombian Cardinal Luis José Rueda Aparicio pointed out that the atmosphere among the cardinals is “quite different” from what people who associate a papal conclave “with a democratic election of a president” may imagine.

The Sistine Chapel has witnessed every papal election since 1492 with only five exceptions, and it is preparing to once again host the conclave.

When a new pope is elected, two signs mark the moment: white smoke (“fumata bianca”) from the Sistine Chapel chimney and the “habemus papam” announcement by the cardinal protodeacon from St. Peter’s Basilica’s balcony.

Before his death, Pope Francis donated one of his popemobiles to be converted into a mobile clinic to assist the children of Gaza, one of the communities most affected by the war and humanitarian crisis in that region.

Laudato Si’: Since its publication in 2015, this text has become a reference for environmental protection and an uncomfortable reminder for many others: The earth is wounded, and humanity with it.

The Catholic Church dedicates the entire month of May to the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of God and spiritual mother of all.

Italian Cardinal Camillo Ruini, who chaired the international commission investigating the authenticity of Medjugorje, has offered four criteria for the conclave that will elect Pope Francis’ successor.

In a pastoral letter published by the Archdiocese of Singapore, Cardinal William Goh called on the faithful to pray for the cardinals involved in electing the successor to St. Peter.

Since his time as archbishop of Buenos Aires, Pope Francis was already known for his humility, closeness to the poor, and an austere lifestyle that spoke louder than words.

Among those at the Pope's funeral was a 31-year-old Kurdish woman, who fled Iraq with her husband and four children due to ISIS violence and a lack of basic services and future prospects.

The six-kilometer journey that transported Pope Francis’ body from St. Peter’s Basilica to St. Mary Major featured profound symbolism and emotion.

More than 1,800 Italian Civil Protection volunteers are currently deployed around St. Peter’s Basilica and throughout central Rome to coordinate and facilitate the flow of pilgrims paying their final respects to Pope Francis.

The following leaders from around the world are among the dignitaries who have announced they are to attend Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday, April 26, at the Vatican.

Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025—Easter Monday, also called Monday of the Angel. His death, filled with symbolic meaning, reflects a life deeply united with Christ. Here are some "God-incidences" that offer a profound spiritual message.

Prisoners always held a special place in Pope Francis’ heart, and he demonstrated his love for them throughout his pontificate, until the end.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, marked his patron saint’s feast every year on April 23 with acts of charity. The day was a Vatican holiday in his honor.

In the endless lines of pilgrims wishing to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, whose coffin now lies open in St. Peter’s Basilica, feelings of grief and sadness are the order of the day.

Pope Francis greeted the faithful around the world for the last time from St. Peter’s Basilica on the most important day for Christians: Easter, the heart and foundation of the Catholic faith that proclaims Christ’s triumph over sin and death.

“He said he was praying for us, blessed us, and thanked us for our prayers,” said Father Gabriel Romanelli, summarizing Pope Francis’ call on April 19, just before the Easter Vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica.

With the aim of improving the experience of pilgrims traveling to Rome to participate in the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, the Fabric of St. Peter has led various restoration and innovation projects.

The Trinitarian order was founded at the end of the 12th century to free persecuted Christians. Today, it continues to quietly and humbly assist those persecuted for their faith.