Cardinals Sequestered as Vatican Prepares for Historic Papal Conclave

Dispatch from the Vatican | Conclave Process, Issues and Questions

Monday was my first full day in Rome, where I am covering the papal conclave that convenes this Wednesday afternoon. It began with the requisite caffeinated fuel for the day from the best place in Rome to get it: Sant’ Eustachio Il Caffè. In God’s providence, this is only 250 feet from my lodgings at the beginning of my walk to Vatican City. This will be a daily ritual. After picking up my credentials from the Holy See Press Office, I settled in…

'We need a superman!': What are the priorities of the cardinals in the conclave?

Cardinals electing a new pope have some fundamental questions to weigh, beyond whether to give the Catholic Church its first Asian or African pontiff, or a conservative or progressive.

They will stay in the House of Santa Marta and a neighboring building, without telephone, internet or media.This Wednesday, isolated from the world, the "princes of the Church" will vote from 10 a.m., Argentine time.

It's time to pick a new Pope

(Rome) — The College of Cardinals will meet Wednesday at the Vatican to start the process of selecting a new pope. They have been prepping for the upcoming papal election, called a conclave, in Vatican City. Conclaves are held in the Sistine Chapel and have historically lasted an average of four days. The candidate needs a two-thirds majority to become Pope. Ballots used in the last round are burnt and used to create smoke signals. Black smoke m…

Who will be the new pope? Clock ticking down toward historic conclave

Over 130 voting cardinals must decide whether to continue in the direction of Francis or elect a pope likely to choose a more traditional path.

When will the 2025 conclave bring a new pope? Here's how long it's taken to see white smoke in the past

Catholic cardinals are set to gather for the 2025 conclave to choose Pope Francis' successor. Here's how long it could take.