Catholicism

religion

The practice of destroying the papal ring after a pope’s death is an established protocol rooted in centuries of tradition and practical safeguarding. When a pope dies, offici...

Religion and Spirituality

Pope Francis waving is a concise, repeatable public gesture that conveys approachability, inclusion, and pastoral openness. In a global media environment, this simple movement f...

Catholicism

Because the current pope’s status is not public, this page explains the ordinary, repeatable process the Catholic Church uses to elect a new pope. If a papal vacancy occurs in...

Catholicism

Pope Leo XIV is the first pope in the Society of Jesus and the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. His first words to the world after his election emphasized peace...

religion

Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, has shaped global conversations on mercy, poverty, and climate since his election in 2013. This evergreen profile expl...

religion

Pope Francis in Africa reflects a recurring dimension of his pontificate, marked by pastoral visits, peace initiatives, and ecological advocacy tailored to local realities. This...

Religion & Belief

When Pope Francis addresses Congress, he speaks to a joint session of the United States Congress as a globally recognized religious leader and moral voice. This event is both a...

religion

As of 2025, the current pope is Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who was elected on 13 March 2013 and continues to serve as the Bishop of Rome and leader of the worldwi...

Religion & Spirituality

The short answer to whether the pope has to be a man is yes, according to current Catholic canon law and longstanding tradition. Only a baptized male can validly be ordained as...

Catholicism

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 17 December 1936, became the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on 13 March 2013. As the first Jesui...