News

From Peter to Linus to Francis: How do popes pick their papal names?
When Jorge Bergoglio chose the name Francis upon becoming pope, it was a tribute to his favorite saint. Others took ...
Who will be the next pope? Here's a list of some possible candidates to succeed Pope Francis.
Pope Francis' death set off a series of traditions that culminates in a vote for his successor. Here are some of the possible ...
Pope Francis left unfinished business after a 12-year papacy. What challenges await the next pope?
While Pope Francis accomplished a lot in his 12-year papacy, he left much unfinished business and many challenges for his ...
National Catholic Register4h
Pope Francis and the Jesuits
Although estranged from his own religious order for more than two decades, Pope Francis reconciled immediately after his ...
The last pope? An ominous ancient prophecy resurfaces after Pope Francis death.
The folklore of the prophecy of St. Malachy says that Pope Francis may be the very last pontiff. Historians say that's ...
Cardinals mull Pope Francis' replacement as Vatican preps for conclave, fireworks expert tests "holy smoke"
As a fireworks expert tests the Vatican's contemporary system for "holy smoke," Catholic cardinals mull their divergent ...
Indigenous Catholics hope the next pope shares Francis’ approach to Native people
What the world’s Indigenous Catholics don’t want to lose with the death of the first pontiff from the Southern Hemisphere: ...
Designers Do a Double Take at the Lettering on Pope Francis’ Tombstone
Irregularly spaced letters spelling “F R A NCISC VS” have caused a stir among typography nerds who specialize in spacing and ...
National Catholic Register2h
Pope Francis’ Simple Tomb Marred by ‘Awful’ Letter Spacing, Designers Claim
Mistakes were made, apparently. ‘Woe be unto the person who decided to do it the way that they did it,’ one expert says.
No phones, no news — only God and church politics as Catholic elders choose Francis' successor
On the eve of the conclave to elect the next pope, the world's smallest country, Vatican City, is engulfed in commotion as ...