Latest News & Developments
pope
Kommetjie resident Jason Scott honours Pope Leo XIV with a symbolic hike
Jason Scott, a young Catholic writer, honours the election of Pope Leo XIV with a solitary hike up Kommetjie Mountain, reflecting on faith and community ties.
Leo XIV to address faithful with St Peter's prayer
Pope Leo XIV, the first US pope, prepares to lead the Regina Coeli prayer from St Peter's Basilica, drawing thousands eager to witness his humble approach to leadership and faith.
Leo XIV says Church must fight 'lack of faith' in first mass as pope
In his first homily as pope, Leo XIV calls on the Catholic Church to urgently restore faith among millions, marking a historic moment as the first American pope.
First mass celebrated by new Pope Leo XIV begins: Vatican
New Pope Leo XIV began celebrating his first mass as head of the Catholic Church on Friday, a private gathering for cardinals in the Sistine Chapel, according to video footage broadcast by the Vatican.
Pope Leo XIV calls for 'building bridges' in first address
The new pontiff urged people to "build bridges through dialogue, through encounter, to come together as one people, always in peace", before paying homage to his predecessor, Pope Francis.
'Great honour': Leaders welcome Leo, first US pope
Pope Leo XIV was officially elected as the new head of the Catholic Church.
White smoke billows and the bells ring for Prevost, the first US pope as Leo XIV
The 69-year-old Archbishop-Bishop emeritus of Chiclayo, Peru, was made a cardinal by Francis in 2023 after being named prefect of the dicaster.
Trump says election of Pope Leo XIV 'great honour' for US
Robert Francis Prevost became the first pope from the US
Cardinals gather for second day of voting to elect new pontiff
Anticipation grips the Catholic world as cardinals prepare for a second day of voting in the Vatican conclave, following the black smoke signal that confirmed no majority was reached in the first ballot.
All eyes on Sistine Chapel chimney as conclave enters day two
The Catholic world waits in suspense as cardinals enter their second day of voting to elect a new pope.
WATCH: Black smoke billows from Sistine Chapel chimney as Cardinals fail to elect new pope on first try
Thick black smoke from the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday signaled that the cardinals' first vote in the conclave failed to elect a new pope.
From papal wonders to hidden gems: your guide to the top 5 Vatican City attractions
In the wake of Pope Francis's passing, millions around the globe are set to converge on the Vatican, where history, art and spirituality await, reminding visitors of the enduring legacy of one of Catholicism's most impactful leaders.
Green Shoots: The challenge of love for those at the margins
So many of us are comfortable in our existence in the centre. The centre is where you are accepted, where there is certainty and order in how things work. It usually involves having resources (money), and that gives us the security that enables us to navigate a world that is quite difficult to be in at the moment. The safety and security of being in the centre - inside the castle walls - is reassuring, and requires only that you maintain it and your place in it.
How Pope Francis's body was prepared for his final farewell
The late Pope Francis, aged 88, is set to lie in state for three days in Saint Peter's Basilica, as preparations involving temporary embalming and aesthetic care are undertaken to ensure a dignified farewell.
Embalming and make-up: Pope's body prepared for lying-in-state
The body of the 88-year-old, who died on Monday, will be on display for three days in Saint Peter's Basilica from Wednesday before his funeral on Saturday.
Stars from around the world share touching tributes to Pope Francis
Celebrities pay tribute to Pope Francis, the compassionate leader of the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis' death opens the race for his successor: a look at the potential papabili
The recent death of Pope Francis not only marks the end of an era but also beckons the dawn of a new chapter in the Catholic Church.
Pope meets Vance, then releases Easter message decrying ‘logic of fear’
US Vice President JD Vance got to meet with Pope Francis and briefly chat with him on Sunday at the papal residence for an exchange of pleasantries and gifts.
Life in a city caught between jubilation and worry: a resident's take on Rome
Rome is always a city of contrasts, but in a Jubilee year and with an ailing Pope, it is even more so, according to a resident, who writes for us
What happens when a pope dies?
The passing of a pope sets in motion a series of centuries-old processes, including a nine-day mourning period, an elaborate burial, and the election of a new leader for the Catholic Church.
At 87, pope defies expectations with epic tour
By embarking aged 87 on the farthest journey of his papacy, Pope Francis is doing something some believed impossible - and seeking to silence those who doubt his ability to fulfil his role.
Important dates: Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s birth, papacy and death
The body of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who died on Saturday, will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica until Thursday morning’s funeral, which Pope Francis will lead at St. Peter’s Square. Graphic shows former Pope Benedict, his papacy and resignation.
Pope Francis, 85, travels to northern Italy to celebrate cousin’s 90th birthday
The pope, who is 85 years old, arrived by helicopter in the Italian province of Asti, east of Turin, on Saturday.
Pope cancels Florence trip over 'acute' knee pain
Pope Francis, 85, has been forced to cancel a trip to Florence because of acute knee pain, which will also stop him presiding over Ash Wednesday celebrations, the Vatican said.
Probe finds ex-pope Benedict failed to act in German abuse cases
Former pope Benedict XVI knowingly failed to take action to stop four priests accused of child sex abuse in Munich, according to the findings of a damning independent report.