For nearly two millennia, popes have shaped Catholic doctrine, guided the faithful, and navigated global challenges, from St.

If a cardinal has received two-thirds of the vote, he becomes the new pope. If there is no pope, as many as four votes a day -- two in the morning and two in the afternoon -- can be held on the ...

Instead, facing scandal and self-doubt, the introspective Pope Benedict summons his harshest ... guilt and forgiveness, as these two very different men confront their pasts in order to find ...

Hospitalized in critical condition with double pneumonia, Pope Francis was well enough to meet with the Vatican secretary of ...