The choice of method, more than any difference in underlying doctrine, is where Pope Francis departed most radically from his predecessors.
Pope Francis
Posted inExplainer, Faith
The history of the Sistine Chapel—where cardinals will choose the next pope
The papal conclave will take place as usual in the hallowed space of the Sistine Chapel. What is the history of this famous church and its artistic treasures?
Posted inFaith, Podcasts
A real-life shepherd and bestselling author on why Jesus likens his followers to sheep
For the Fourth Sunday of Easter in Year C, John Connell reflects on the Gospel’s message of Jesus as a shepherd, who knows his sheep intimately and cares for them with great love.
Posted inFaith, Podcasts
What happens inside a conclave? Everything you need to know.
Inside the quirky procedures and protocols of the secretive conclave, with Thomas Reese, S.J.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Interview: Cardinal Czerny on why it shouldn’t matter where the next pope is from
“I become agitated when they say it’s time for an American, it’s time for an African, it’s time for a South Islander. I think that is so stupid. It’s time for the successor of Peter for 2025. The priority is evangelization.”
Posted inConclave Diary, Faith
The pope is not the point
Whoever is elected as the next pope, one thing is certain: The church does not belong to him.
Posted inConclave Diary, Faith
From king to the world’s pastor: How will the next pope change the style of the papacy?
The role of the pope is in a process of conversion from worldly monarch to world’s priest.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Interview: Cardinal Müller on if Pope Francis was a heretic and what he wants in the next pope
In this interview with Gerard O’Connell, Cardinal Müller speaks about his personal relationship with the pope, his criticisms of some of Francis’ statements and what he’s looking for in the next pope.
Posted inFaith, News Analysis
Is it time for the second Latin American pope?
Few, if any, Latin Americans show up on the speculative lists of who might be elected as the supreme pontiff, or “papabile.” But that doesn’t mean the cardinals will not once again look to the New World.
Posted inFaith, News
Vatican guesthouse secured and sealed ahead of secret papal election
Casa Santa Marta is abuzz with workers, engineers, and Vatican officials transforming the guesthouse that was the residence of Pope Francis into a secure, secluded place of lodging that would put Fort Knox to shame.