Black smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Wednesday and again Thursday morning indicated that a new pope had not yet been chosen to replace Pope Francis. Using smoke to communicate to the ...

Black smoke poured out of the Sistine Chapel chimney Wednesday evening, indicating that no pope was elected on the conclave’s ...

The 70-year-old pontiff studied math and speaks five languages.

Black smoke has emerged from the Sistine Chapel after Cardinals held the first vote to select a new pope on the first day of the conclave, signaling deliberations will continue. The black smoke was ...

In a process that can last days, weeks, or even years, popes are elected by cardinals under strict oaths of silence.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State for the last 12 years and its top diplomat, has emerged on nearly every shortlist as an obvious papal contender. White smoke has billowed from ...