Vatican News – English

• Black smoke signals end of first day of conclave
  No Pope was elected after the first ballot of the conclave to elect the 267th Pope. Read all  
• The Conclave begins
  The 133 cardinal-electors have entered the Sistine Chapel in solemn procession, beginning the conclave that will elect the next and 267th pope. Read all  
• 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 […]
• 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. Read all  
• 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 […]