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The history of the names of the Successors of Peter
A longstanding tradition has it that Popes change their names from their baptismal name, though it hasn’t always been the case, especially in the first centuries of Christianity. Popes have often chosen the names of their immediate or distant predecessors out of respect, admiration, or recognition to mark continuity, but also different names to mark innovation.
India-Pakistan clash escalates to intense confrontation
Confrontation between India and Pakistan over Kashmir escalates dramatically following Indian airstrikes deep into Pakistani territory in retaliation for the killing of 26 Indian tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir last month, an attack allegedly carried out by Pakistan-based Islamist militants.
Cardinal Re: United in prayer before the Conclave, we ask the Holy Spirit for guidance
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, presides over the Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff, and calls for unity in faith and prayer as the Cardinals go into the Conclave to elect the new Pope. "May the Pope elected may be he whom the Church and humanity need at this difficult, complex, and troubled turning point in history."
How to follow Papal Election on Vatican Media
From the Mass for the Election of the New Pope to the white smoke, Vatican Media provides broadcasts, platforms, and frequencies to follow the Conclave Live via video and audio
World Jewish Congress official: 'We'll miss Pope's wisdom and friendship'
Pope Francis "never hesitated to condemn anti-Semitism," whose words "were a shield for countless Jewish communities," and "we will miss his wisdom, his friendship, and his unwavering moral clarity," says Viktor Eichner, who represents the World Jewish Congress at the Vatican, in an interview with Vatican News remembering the late Pope.
Attacks on Port Sudan point to escalation of war amid humanitarian catastrophe
The war between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces continues to wreak death, destruction and displacement as it spreads to previously quiet areas of the Northeast African nation.
Extra omnes
As the conclave approaches, Paolo Ruffini reflects on the servant leadership of the Apostle Peter.
Conclave: How a Pope is elected
From the voting of cardinal electors to the burning of ballots in a cast-iron stove dating back to 1939, here’s a look at what happens inside the Sistine Chapel during a papal election.
12th General Congregation focuses on necessary qualities for a future Pope
The day before the beginning of the Conclave, the twelfth and final General Congregation of Cardinals focuses on various qualities important for a future Pope, including being a shepherd, bridgebuilder, and promoter of reform.
EU Parliament pays tribute to Pope Francis' moral authority
The European Parliament opens its plenary session in Strasbourg with a commemoration honouring Pope Francis as a moral authority and a voice for unity.
Cardinals invite faithful to pray for peace
The cardinals gathered for their General Congregation ahead of the conclave release a statement decrying the lack of peace agreements reached in conflict areas.
How locking cardinals in a room became known as a conclave
Electing a Pope wasn’t always the formal, ruled-based conclave we are familiar with today. Everything changed in 1271 after a papal election lasted almost three years.
Remembering A Great Pope
Vincent Doyle, Founder of Coping International, an organisation that works to support the children of clergy and religious reflects on the pontificate of Pope Francis.
Archbishop Kennedy: Pope Francis, a loving pastor determined to protect children
In an interview with Vatican News, Archbishop John Kennedy, the Head of the Disciplinary Section of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, remembers Pope Francis as a loving pastor, who offered a masterclass to faithful Catholics, and through the late Pope's care for all victims of abuse, wished to make every concrete effort to protect children and offer justice to the wounded.
Officials and Conclave staff take Oath of Secrecy in Pauline Chapel
Officials and staff involved in the upcoming Conclave take the oath of secrecy ensuring the integrity of the process to elect the new pontiff.
11th General Congregation focuses on migration, synodality, unity
The College of Cardinals convenes for the eleventh General Congregation with a focus on migration, synodality and unity ahead of the Conclave.
Benin: A workshop to rethink the commitment of Catholic lay leaders in building peaceful societies in Africa
Around fifty professionals from various sectors of social life have just concluded a week-long workshop on Sunday, 4 May, which brought together delegates from five African countries. The theme of the workshop was, "Catholic Professionals and Commitment to Christian Leadership, Peace, Good Governance, and the Protection of Life.”
The Conclave from the Middle Ages to our days
The Conclave as we know today goes back to the Middle Ages and was established to prevent a prolonged Vacant See (Sede Vacante) and outside interference.
Pontifical safeguarding commission joins in prayer for Conclave
The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors joins the Church in prayer ahead of the Conclave that begins on Wednesday, 7 May 2025.
'Dignified working conditions for all' in the prayer intentions of the last three Popes
In his annual publication of prayer intentions for 2025, Pope Francis had invited the faithful to pray during the month of May “For working conditions.” However, due to his passing, the format for the Pope Video accompanying this prayer intention has changed to now offer reflections from the late Popes Francis, Benedict XVI and John Paul II.
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