Pope Leo XIV presided over his inaugural Mass on Sunday. Years ago, it would have included a solemn moment when the pontiff was crowned with an elaborate gold and jewel-encrusted papal tiara.
Category: Sistine Chapel (Vatican City)
How a Quiet American Cardinal Became Pope
At a conclave with many new members, a swift, stunning consensus built around an unknown to many outside of the church.
What Does Pope Leo XIV Do Now? Here’s a Look at His Upcoming Schedule.
Here’s a look at his schedule over the next few days.
Pope Leo XIV Overcame a Major Strike Against Him: Being American
Before he was chosen, Robert Francis Prevost had the papal seal of approval from his predecessor, Francis, who put him in one of the top jobs in the Roman Catholic Church.
The Pope Is a Graduate of Villanova, Where the Church Bells Won’t Stop Ringing
The private Catholic university in the suburbs of Philadelphia has a new most famous alumnus.
The Moment Pope Leo XIV Emerged on the Balcony
Crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square — and around the world — to see who had been elected as Pope Francis’ successor.
Waiting for the Smoke That Heralds a New Pope
As 133 cardinals were sequestered in the Sistine Chapel where they would vote for a new leader of the Catholic Church, the faithful and the curious gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
Paper Ballots and Sacred Oaths: A Look Inside the Papal Conclave
Inside the secretive meeting, cardinals will use an array of objects, many steeped in tradition, as they elect the next pope.
Black Smoke, White Smoke: How the Vatican Signals Decisions on a New Pope
In a tradition that scholars date to the 19th century, smoke released from a chimney will be colored white if the cardinals have made a decision, or black if they remain deadlocked.
Cardinals Begin Conclave With an Oath
The cardinals at the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City vow to follow the rules of the conclave, the process by which the next pope is chosen.
What to Expect From the Conclave, the Process of Electing a New Pope
Once the conclave begins, cardinals are not allowed to leave, other than for meals and to sleep at night, until a successor is named.
Cardinal Dolan of New York Shares His Conclave Advice: ‘Bring a Book’
Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York has some tips for first-timers taking part in the sometimes lengthy process of choosing the next pope.
How The Times Covers the Papal Conclave
There are, technically, 133 papal contenders but no official candidates. Here’s how a New York Times team determines the front-runners.
Why the Italian Who Leads the Church in Jerusalem Is a Contender to Be Pope
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa is a Vatican outsider, but his experience in a region sacred to three major religions may give him an edge.
A Conclave Like No Other
More cardinals from more countries than ever will gather in the Sistine Chapel starting Wednesday to choose a new pope at a precarious time for the church.
