Here are some facts about conclaves past, derived from historical studies including Miles Pattenden's “Electing the Pope in Early Modern Italy, 1450–1700,” and interviews with experts including Elena ...

After the death of a Pope, a papal conclave—an incredibly secretive and important process— takes place in the Vatican as cardinals determine who will next lead the Catholic Church. Following the ...

Following the death of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church will now elect its new leader, in a process virtually unchanged in 800 years. The system is known as the ‘Papal Conclave,’ and is a democratic ...

There has been a lot mentioned about how Pope Leo XIV is a pope of “firsts.” He’s obviously the first pope born in the United States, which is a great joy for every American Catholic. He’s the first ...