Mario Vargas Llosa's long literary life established him as a monumental figure in Spanish-language literature and Latin American history.

In an April 29 statement, the Vatican said “the oath of the officials and attendants of the conclave will take place” May 5 in the Pauline Chapel, not far from the Sistine Chapel where the cardinals will vote for the next pope.

Deacon Marlowe Sabater, minister to seafarers and port workers, reflects on the Gospel story of the risen Christ meeting his disciples on the shore—and connects it to those who work and live at sea today.

An exclusive interview with Archbishop Costelloe about the legacy of Pope Francis and what he hopes for from the conclave

Listen to the first episode of a new daily podcast series by America magazine’s editors on the ground in Rome covering the conclave to elect the new pope.

What happens when a pope dies or resigns? How does a papal conclave work? What can we expect from a new pope?

What happens at a conclave? Tom Reese, S.J., answers questions related to the conclave, the event when a new pope is elected by the College of Cardinals.

What happens during the interregnum period? Tom Reese, S.J., explains the time between one pope's death and the succession of the next pope.

What happens when a pope dies or resigns? Tom Reese, S.J., explains the steps in detail of what will occur at the Vatican after a pope's death.

Cardinal Becciu issued a statement the morning of April 29 saying, “I have decided to obey—as I have always done—the will of Pope Francis not to enter the conclave, while remaining convinced of my innocence.”