The longest conclave lasted almost three years. Thankfully, the timeframe has changed drastically in recent years.

Pope Francis's death at the age of 88 means the Catholic Church must choose a new leader. Here's how cardinals elect the next pontiff at the conclave.

Simply put, a conclave is the assembly of cardinals that elects a pope. The word itself comes from the Latin "com" and "clavis," meaning "together" and "key," respectively – highlighting the absolute, ...

Catholic cardinals are gathering at the Vatican to elect the successor to Pope Francis, who died on April 21. Voting will take place in the Sistine Chapel, with ballots continuing in succession until ...

There is no limit as to how long a conclave can last when electing a new Pope. One vote will be held on the first day of ...

The decision was made at the Fifth General Congregation, held on Monday morning in the Vatican's Synod Hall. The conclave will take place in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel, which will remain closed to ...

Per Catholic doctrine, only baptized, Catholic males are allowed to be priests, who can then go on to be cardinals. Only male cardinals under the age of 80 can vote in a conclave, and only men are ...

As with any new papacy, a quick look at their first appointments and audiences inside the system offers at least a small ...

The papal conclave begins May 7. Here's how cardinals choose the next pope, what to expect and how secretive the process is.

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.

Italy’s Pietro Parolin leads odds on the Polymarket and Kalshi betting platforms, while Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines ...

Inside the secretive meeting, cardinals will use an array of objects, many steeped in tradition, as they elect the next pope.