The subject of numerous controversies, she is defined by ambiguity, welcoming outcasts to the Church and provoking more imaginative approaches to faith.

Pope Francis had expressed the desire to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a fifth-century church in Rome.

As early as 2015, Pope Francis had expressed the desire to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a fifth-century ...

Despite being a prolific draughtsman, fewer than 20 paintings by Leonardo survive. But which were his greatest hits?

“When I pass away, I will not be buried in St. Peter’s, but in Saint Mary Major ... Baroque, and Renaissance architecture, reflecting centuries of faith and artistic achievement.

This unusual Renaissance painting was created by an anonymous artist and features a drooling dragon-dog, a farting baby, as ...

Ladder to Paradise depicts red ... Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene, distraught as Christ is lowered from the cross; a raging rabble of Roman soldiers; and astonished witnesses of Jesus’ miracles.

Pope Francis, 88, died Monday morning at the Vatican. A picture shows a Catholic cardinal sealing Pope Francis' residence ...

Images released by the Vatican showed Francis in an open coffin, dressed in red and white ... an angel appeared to Mary Magdalene, who was a friend and follower of Jesus, and encouraged her ...