Conclave,” the movie, may have introduced movie-goers to the spectacular ritual and drama of a modern conclave, but the periodic voting to elect a new pope has been going on for centuries and created ...

The papacy has traditionally been held by cardinals, but exceptions exist. Historical trivia surrounding papal conclaves ...

Vatican installs chimney on Sistine Chapel as world waits on pope election - The chimney plays a key role in communicating ...

A snapshot of the papacies of the 11 modern popes that preceded Pope Francis, from Pope Benedict XVI to Blessed Pope Pius IX.

This reforming pope, renowned for his sanctity, helped solidify the Council of Trent’s legacy and left a visible mark on the papacy itself.

Pope Benedict was elected in 2005, just after his 78th birthday. Of the 103 popes whose exact age at election is known, Pope ...

In September 1964, Pope Paul VI, in a gesture of goodwill toward the ... In 1460, the Despot of Morea, Thomas Palaiologos, gave them to Pope Pius II. Their return to Patras in the 20th century ...

A hand-written letter from Napoleon denying his role in the kidnapping of Pope Pius VII in 1809 was sold at auction on Sunday ...

Pope Francis, Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI are among the elected bishops of Rome who have led the Catholic Church ...