Vatican

Inside the Vatican studio preserving the mosaics of St Peter’s Basilica

Black smoke rises from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel, indicating no decision has been made to elect a new pope, Vatican, May 7, 2025.

Black smoke: Cardinals fail to elect new pope on first try

Hailing from 70 countries across five continents, the group is the largest and the most international ever.

Catholic Church's direction in the balance as conclave looms

More than 100 senior clergy members will take part in a conclave to cast ballots for the pontiff to succeed Pope Francis, who died on April 21.

Vatican’s secretive conclave to pick next Pope starts May 7

More than 128,000 people have already paid their last respects to Francis.

Huge crowds pack Vatican ahead of Pope's funeral

The lying in state began on Wednesday and instead of a planned closing at midnight, the basilica remained open until 5.30am (0330 GMT) on Thursday morning, before reopening at 7.00am.

Thousands gather for second day to view pope

Priests decked out in choir dress and others in cassocks made up the long procession, some with candles in their hands, as groups of nuns followed behind.

Pope Francis' coffin carried to Saint Peter's Basilica

Pope Francis lying in the chapel of the Santa Marta residence. His body will be transferred to St Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning before the lying-in-state.

Pope Francis’ funeral to be held on Saturday 

Pope Francis has acknowledged that AI can broaden access to knowledge but has repeatedly warned that it must only be used in an ethical way, to benefit humanity.

Vatican unveils AI services for St Peter’s Basilica ahead of Jubilee