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Pope Francis left unfinished business after a 12-year papacy. What challenges await the next pope?
When the conclave's cardinals finish casting their ballots under Michelangelo's frescoed ceilings of the Sistine Chapel, the ...
Cardinals wrap up pre-conclave meetings still uncertain about who should follow Pope Francis
There is a famous quote attributed to then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger in 1997, in comments to a Bavarian television station.
Vatican marks final day of mourning for Pope Francis before conclave begins
Hundreds of cardinals attended mass inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican Sunday, to mark the end of a nine-day mourning ...
Pope Francis' successor likely to be in his 70s, papal experts say
Jorge Bergoglio was 76 when he became Pope Francis. His predecessor, Joseph Ratzinger, was 78 when he became Pope Benedict ...
Cardinals finish pre-conclave meetings in Vatican day before voting for pope starts
Cardinals have wrapped up their pre-conclave meetings in the Vatican, trying to identify a possible new pontiff to follow ...
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 ...
What do Catholics around the world hope for from a new pope? Some wish for a version of Pope Francis
Among the roughly 1.4 billion Catholics around the world, many are keenly anticipating the upcoming conclave at the Vatican ...
Who are contenders to succeed Pope Francis? A look at the leading candidates.
Here’s a look at some of the leading papal contenders, with the proviso that favorites don’t typically end up getting the nod ...
Pope Francis sheltered the homeless. Now they wonder who will follow
The gleaming colonnade of St. Peter's Square provides a majestic backdrop as four men wait for a free dinner on a terrace in ...
Who is Pietro Parolin? The longtime Vatican diplomat who could be the next pope
Who is Pietro Parolin? The longtime Vatican diplomat who could be the next pope - Pietro Parolin has been the Vatican's ...