The papal conclave in the modern era has resulted in a number of progressive popes playing various roles in shaping political ...

Here is a brief glossary of the event's key terms: - Camerlengo: Between the death or resignation of a pope and the election ...

The Sistine Chapel in the Vatican has been prepared to host 133 cardinal electors for the upcoming conclave to choose the ...

In centuries past, the cardinals slept in corridors and rooms of the Apostolic Palace itself during the conclave ...

The universal church is on full display during the waiting-for-white-smoke period. Watchers who gather at St. Peter's Square ...

Vatican workers installed the simple stove in the Sistine Chapel where ballots will be burned during the conclave to elect a ...

Francis-era reforms that saw a diverse group of cardinals join the mix make his successor nearly impossible to call.

Cardinals hailing from 71 different countries will begin electing a pope this week in the most geographically diverse ...

The chimney on the Sistine Chapel is up, and voting to elect the next pope will begin on Wednesday afternoon, May 7. Here is ...

Experts say the process requires "two custom fireworks", smoke test rehearsals and Vatican firefighters on standby.

Four frontrunners have emerged as the most likely contenders known as papabile to succeed Pope Francis but at least a dozen ...

Catholic cardinals are eligible to participate in the conclave, but two have indicated they will not attend. Two of these cardinals are from the Tri-State Area -- Timothy Cardinal Dolan from the ...