Vatican reporter Gerard O'Connell, Colleen Dulle and Sam Sawyer, S.J., discuss the unexpectedly quick election of the first American pope.

A Reflection for Saturday of the Third Week of Easter, by Ashley McKinless

The pope’s visit to Egypt was a turning point, not only for many Egyptian Christians in strengthening their faith, but also in the way they were perceived by their Muslim peers.

When Pope Leo XIV will celebrate his inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square and what else to look for next week

These brothers talked on the phone every day. Now one of them is the pope.

Pope Leo XIV's first homily, delivered during Mass in the Sistine Chapel with the College of Cardinals.

Our team was in St. Peter’s Square for the historic election, and we’re here with first reactions and some important details about the life and ministry of Pope Leo XIV.

The “urbi et orbi” blessing given by Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, after his election May 8, 2025.

Cardinal Robert F. Prevost has selected the name Pope Leo XIV—so who was Pope Leo XIII?

“For us, as Hispanics who are suffering in the United States, it gives us great hope to believe that this next pope will be like Francis and stand with immigrants.”

Pope Leo XIV is a dual citizen of the United States and Peru, where he first served as a missionary and then as an archbishop. That made him the first pope from each country.

Cardinal Robert Prevost, O.S.A. has chosen to be known by Leo XIV.

It’s hard to describe the mood in Vatican City right now. There is great expectation and excitement but also a sense of unease.

Do we really trust the Holy Spirit to guide the election of a pope? What does that trust feel like? Zac, Ashley, Sebastian and JD talk about praying through and for the conclave.

What time will we see black or white smoke? How can I watch the chimney for white or black smoke?

That is the question ghosts really should be made to answer: Why remain where you have been most miserable?

As expected, the 133 cardinals who entered the Sistine Chapel May 7 failed to elect the next pope on their first ballot.

Now that the 133 cardinal electors are ensconced in the Sistine Chapel to elect a successor to Pope Francis, some potential candidates have come to the fore.

When else do we get an opportunity like this, to take someone at this level of leadership at face value?