Riley Stuart

6 days ago | abc.net.au | Riley Stuart

There's a saying in the Vatican that roughly translates to: a fat pope comes after a thin one. It's supposed to reflect the fact cardinals have throughout history often chosen to elect a candidate to lead the Catholic Church with a different outlook to their predecessor. Follow the latest updates about the new pope in our live blogOn Thursday, however, that didn't happen. Robert Prevost entered this week's conclave as a cardinal and emerged Pope Leo XIV.

6 days ago | abc.net.au | Riley Stuart

A new pope has been selected to lead the Catholic Church after a day of closed-door meetings and secret votes inside Vatican City, although their identity hasn't yet been revealed. The electoral process — known as a conclave — is completely locked down and sequestered participants communicate their progress to the outside world only through smoke signals.

6 days ago | abc.net.au | Riley Stuart

It took two days for cardinals to choose the new pope. After they did, it took two seconds to change the mood in St Peter's Square. As white smoke rose from the temporary chimney in the Sistine Chapel, a wave of unbridled joy swept over the massive crowd, which had been growing restless. New Pope Leo XIV live: Get the latest as the world reacts to the Catholic Church's new leaderAbout an hour later, Pope Leo XIV was introduced from the balcony overlooking the throngs.

6 days ago | abc.net.au | Riley Stuart

Once again, thousands of people filed into St Peter's Square, and once again, they were disappointed. Sequestered cardinals are deliberating for a second day inside Vatican City as they attempt to pick a new pope. Watch live: All eyes on the Sistine Chapel's chimney The group of 133 electors has been completely cut off from the outside world since Wednesday, local time.

1 week ago | abc.net.au | Riley Stuart

The process to select a new pope, known as conclave, has begun in Vatican City on Wednesday, local time. More than 130 cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel to vote, although a decision on who'll be the next man to lead the Catholic Church hasn't yet been made. One ballot will be held on Wednesday afternoon, and up to four will be conducted on Thursday, and on subsequent days, until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority, plus one.