The election of a pope follows centuries-old Vatican traditions. The College of Cardinals will vote in secret ballots inside the Sistine Chapel. A two-thirds majority is required to elect a new pope.

Cardinals have decided that the public viewing of Pope Francis will begin Wednesday in St. Peter’s Basilica, after his casket is taken by procession from the Vatican hotel where he lived.

St Peter's Basilica is seen in the background as a cardinal arrives for a college of cardinals' meeting, at the Vatican, Monday, April 28, 2025. Credit: AP/Gregorio Borgia ...

The Vatican has reverted to its ingrained attitude of secrecy, imposing what amounts to a gag order on all cardinals -- especially the Americans -- even though they have not given anything that ...

Cardinals celebrate the Novendiales Masses on the fourth day of mourning for Pope Francis on April 29, 2025, in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. (photo: Daniel Ibañez/CNA / EWTN) ...

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis issued a twofold command to 20 newly elevated cardinals over the weekend: Go forth in charity, and reach out to the marginalized, reinstating them into the Church.

Only Cardinals under the age of 80 are allowed to cast a vote for pope, under current Vatican rules. The Catholic Church has a list of the College of Cardinals and biographies for the 119 electors.

The Vatican announced Thursday that Pope Francis will name a new batch of cardinals in February, adding to the select group of churchmen who will someday gather to elect his successor.

Vatican City (Fides Service) - The Cardinals, who oversee the presbyterates of 25 titular and quasi parish churches of Rome, of which 7 are regional deaconries and 6 Palatine deaconries, and 7 (7th ...

Creating the new cardinals Nov. 24, Pope Benedict had told them: "Particularly through the work you do for the dicasteries of the Roman Curia, you will be my valued co-workers, first and foremost ...