The death of a pope sets in motion a series of carefully orchestrated rites and rituals well before the conclave to elect his ...

Dusting off my memories of covering a papal funeral and two conclaves - the death of Pope John Paul II and election of Pope ...

Each elector swears an oath to protect the church’s freedom and the secrecy of the conclave. As the last oath is complete, ...

After the ballots are pierced, they are burned in a cylindrical stove at the end of the voting session. Black smoke from the ...

A USA TODAY reporter recalls covering the last conclave when Pope Francis was selected. What to expect if you go to Rome for ...

Pope Francis charmed the world with those poignant acts of love, humility and informality, starting with his first appearance ...

What he's determined for his burial breaks with years of tradition.Even his last will breaks with the traditions of his predecessors: The late Pope Francis has long determined that he wished to be ...

Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time on Easter Monday, April 21, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa ...

But Duke theology professor Peter Casarella says what Francis will be most remembered for is his humility and the example he ...

Pope Francis’ transformative vision for the American church made it more open, but also energized conservative resistance ...