Day two of the conclave
6:30 a.m. Black smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel earlier this morning, indicating that a second vote had been taken this morning and no pope has been … Learn More
Category: Vatican News
Black smoke as day one of the conclave concludes
After a long wait, black smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney. That means the cardinals’ votes did not reach the two-thirds majority needed to elect a pope — as … Learn More
Conclave: What to expect in the hours (and possibly days) ahead
The cardinal electors, including Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, have entered the Sistine Chapel and taken a solemn oath, vowing to conduct themselves honestly and in secrecy, and “to affirm and … Learn More
Choose the pope the world needs, dean urges cardinals before conclave
At Mass before the conclave that will elect the next pope, the dean of the College of Cardinals urged his brothers to choose the shepherd the church and all of … Learn More
U.S. cardinals receive sendoff before conclave
U.S. cardinals gathered at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, where many have been residing over the past week, before heading to their new, temporary residences at the Vatican. … Learn More
Papal ring, insignia destroyed at cardinals’ final meeting
On the eve of the conclave that will decide the next pontiff, the ring and lead seal of the late Pope Francis were destroyed in the presence of members of the College … Learn More
How to explain a conclave to your kids
As a member of the “JPII generation,” I didn’t experience a church conclave until I was a college student. Even then, it was difficult to understand the ins and outs … Learn More
Sistine Chapel chimney installed: when to look for smoke
This morning, May 2, Vatican firefighters installed a chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel. Connected to a stove in the chapel where the ballots will be burned during … Learn More
Conclave guided by a rule book and a prayer book
The conclave to elect a new pope, scheduled to begin May 7, is governed by two texts: a rule book and a prayer book. The rule book is the apostolic … Learn More
Abbot speaks to cardinals about synodality before conclave
The cardinals preparing to elect a new pope must strengthen communion in the Catholic Church, promoting a form of unity that has nothing to do with uniformity and everything to do with … Learn More