Survivors Urge Cardinals to Discuss Sex Abuse Crisis in Choosing Next Pope
Pope Francis is credited with addressing the issue more strongly than his predecessors did, but clerical abuse remains a ruinous issue for the Roman Catholic Church.
Francis
Why the Italian Who Leads the Church in Jerusalem Is a Contender to Be Pope
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa is a Vatican outsider, but his experience in a region sacred to three major religions may give him an edge.
Days Before Conclave, Cardinals in Rome Pitch Messages to the Pews
Some papal contenders offered hints in Sunday Masses at what kind of pope they might want, or want to be.
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 fonts. One called them “an abomination unto design.”
Francis Opened Discussions to Those Outside the Church Hierarchy. This Cardinal Would, Too
Cardinal Mario Grech comes from Malta, but is known to cardinals around the world for his role as the secretary general of an advisory body of bishops.
A Conclave Like No Other
More cardinals from more countries than ever will gather in the Sistine Chapel starting Wednesday to choose a new pope at a precarious time for the church.
These Contentious Issues Could Determine Who Becomes the Next Pope
As cardinals gather to elect Pope Francis’ successor, they are facing debates over whether the church most needs change or constancy.
Cardinal Parolin, Leader of Papal Conclave, Is Also a Top Candidate
Cardinals have talked about Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, as someone who could have a steady, bureaucratic hand on the church’s wheel.
Who Is Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, a Possible Contender for the Next Pope?
A possible contender for the papacy, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi has worked with the needy and the disenfranchised, even as he participated in peace talks around the world.
There’s Never Been a Pope From the U.S. Could Cardinal Prevost Change That?
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a native of Chicago, has spent the bulk of his career outside the United States. Supporters say he represents a “dignified middle of the road.”