The potential influence of the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics attracts the attention of the secular world as well.

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Black smoke poured out of the Sistine Chapel chimney on Wednesday, signalling that no pope had been ...

None of the cardinals achieved the necessary two-thirds majority (89 votes) among the 133 electors, who are scheduled to reconvene on Thursday, with up to four votes planned. Black smoke: the first ...

Black smoke pours from Sistine Chapel chimney as first vote inconclusive - The smoke signals that the 133 cardinals have ...

Since livestream cameras went up early Wednesday morning, a handful of seagulls have hopped around the Sistine Chapel chimney ...

The Church's opening to women initiated by Francis will be one of the challenges the next Pope will face. Hours before the cardinals locked themselves in the conclave that will choose the successor of ...

The black smoke confirmed the 133 cardinal electors sequestered inside had not reached the required two-thirds majority — at ...

Some of the Catholic cardinals watched the Oscar-winning papal election drama “Conclave” to prepare for this week’s real-life Vatican election.

Who are the U.S. candidates at the papal conclave in Rome? Here's a list of American cardinals that will elect or possibly ...

Black smoke from Sistine Chapel chimney confirms no pope elected in first conclave vote - Cardinals to return to Sistine ...

Cardinals have no contact with the outside world after the master of liturgical ceremonies utters the words “Extra Omnes” the ...