Novels and films that include or revolve around a conclave often include nefarious plotting, or at least politicking, and attempts to wing it when it comes to the rules for electing a new pope.
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High court hears Maryland parents’ case seeking classroom opt-out of LGBTQ+ themed books
The U.S. Supreme Court April 22 heard a case concerning a request from an interfaith group of Maryland parents to allow them to opt their children out of classroom instruction pertaining to books containing LGBTQ+ themes to which they object on religious grounds.
Pope, a ‘son of immigrants,’ leaves legacy of migrant advocacy
When Pope Francis chose the small Italian island of Lampedusa as the destination for his first trip outside Rome after his election, he signaled to the world that migration would be a defining issue of his pontificate.
St. Faustina and visions behind Divine Mercy Sunday
Between 1931 and 1938, a young nun named Sister Maria Faustina claimed to have experienced a series of visions, messages and conversations in which our Lord Jesus asked her to establish a devotion to his Divine Mercy.
Pope Francis’ approach to key issues did not fit neatly in U.S. politics, experts say
Pope Francis’ approach to key issues including his concern for the environment, immigration and abortion did not fit neatly into American political ideologies, Catholic political and theology experts told OSV News.
Pope Francis’ teachings on synodality, environment make local impact
Pope Francis’ teachings and writings have had a major influence on several programs in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, notably its two-year Seek the City to Come initiative and its ongoing evangelization efforts.
Mount St. Mary’s professor recalls his days with future pope in Argentina
Alejandro Cañadas, now an associate professor of economics at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, met then-Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio several times from 1991 to 1997 when he was a college student in his native Argentina.
Prayer, pilgrims accompany pope’s body to basilica
Thousands of people had made an early morning pilgrimage to St. Peter’s Square April 23 to witness the transfer and pray for the late pope; they erupted in applause when his body, in an open casket, reached the square and again when it reached the top of the basilica steps.
Trump plans to attend Pope Francis’ funeral; orders US flags flown at half staff
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump plan to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, he said April 21. He also directed federal flags be flown at half-staff in the late pontiff’s honor.
Pope’s Jesuit identity had profound impact on parishes, schools
In an era of intense conflict during the Counter-Reformation, St. Ignatius viewed the church’s role as a summons for believers to strive to be the best Christians they could be – an imperative the late Pope Francis embraced as his own, Father Stephen Spahn said.
Cardinals hold first meeting after pope’s death
Cardinals already present in Rome and those who were able to get to the city after Pope Francis’ death April 21 held their first meeting at the Vatican April 22.
Pope’s funeral set for April 26, public viewing April 23-25
The funeral Mass of Pope Francis will be celebrated April 26 in St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican announced.