Religion

From conclaves to reincarnation, religious traditions around the world follow different rules when selecting new spiritual leaders. Here’s how major religions make their choices.

When a new pope is elected, one of his first decisions is to choose a regnal name — a symbolic gesture that reveals spiritual inspiration, political intent, and historical legacy.

Following Pope Francis’ death, the Vatican begins the conclave to elect a new pope, with smoke signals from the Sistine Chapel marking the votes.

Here's when we could see smoke -- and a new pope -- now that the conclave is getting underway in Vatican City.

President Donald Trump’s latest social media stunt – an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope – sparked immediate backlash.

Catholic cardinals have set a date for the conclave to elect Pope Francis' successor.

This was the first face-to-face meeting for the two world leaders after their heated exchange in the Oval Office in February.

After a period of mourning, cardinals will gather to elect the next pope in the centuries-old ritual known as the conclave. Here’s what we know about its beginnings.

The funeral for Pope Francis is getting underway soon in Vatican City. The 88-year-old pontiff was known for charming the world with his humble style and concern for the poor.

Pope Francis was remembered as a “pope among the people" in his funeral Mass Saturday, eulogized by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.

Pope Francis managed a gesture of farewell before he passed away early Monday. Those around him said it appeared he didn't suffer.

Pope Francis’ funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square and will be led by the dean of the College of Cardinals.

There will be three days of public viewing at St. Peter's Basilica to allow the public to grieve the 88-year-old Pope Francis, who died Monday after suffering a stroke.

A look at the centuries-old tradition of burying popes in three coffins — and why Pope Francis decided to simplify his own burial rites.

As the world awaits an official announcement of who will be the next pontiff, here's who the oddsmakers favor to replace Pope Francis.

Archbishop Emeritus Cardinal Daniel DiNardo spoke with us after the mass and shared his thoughts on the Pope's passing.