Phoebe Natanson

6 days ago | abc7.com | Phoebe Natanson |Meredith Deliso |Megan Forrester

Pope Leo XIV will be the Catholic Church's 267th leader. Last updated: Friday, May 9, 2025 12:40AM GMTJoe Torres reports from Vatican City on the first American Pope. VATICAN CITY -- The temporary chimney atop the Sistine Chapel released a plume of white smoke on Thursday evening local time, signaling that the 133 cardinals working inside had reached a two-thirds majority to elect a new pope for the Catholic Church.

2 weeks ago | abcnews.go.com | David Brennan |Phoebe Natanson

The Cardinal of Baghdad, Louis Raphael Sako, told journalists at the Vatican on Tuesday that he expects a "short conclave."

2 weeks ago | abcnews.go.com | David Brennan |Phoebe Natanson

The process to elect the next pope will begin on May 7. ByDavid Brennan and Phoebe NatansonCardinal Louis Raphael Sako arrives for a general congregation meeting at the Vatican, in Rome, Italy, on April 29, 2025. Louisa Gouliamaki/ReutersLONDON and ROME -- The cardinal of Baghdad, Louis Raphael Sako, reportedly told journalists at the Vatican on Tuesday that he expects a "short conclave" that could select Pope Francis' successor in as little as two days.

2 weeks ago | abcnews.go.com | Phoebe Natanson |Kevin Shalvey

The conclave to replace Pope Francis will begin Wednesday, May 7.

2 weeks ago | abcnews.go.com | Megan Forrester |Phoebe Natanson

Pope Francis, leader of Roman Catholic Church for 12 years, died Monday morning at the age of 88. Here's what to know about his funeral on Saturday.