Canon law does not give much specific direction about who can make decisions for the church during the interregnum.

How “unity” and “clarity” are becoming buzzwords for reversing Pope Francis’ style of governance: a Conclave Podcast from America’s team in Rome

“He has given a great witness of humility, of closeness to the people, of living out the Gospel values. He has left a great example for us to follow,” a priest from Honduras told America.

In an April 29 statement, the Vatican said “the oath of the officials and attendants of the conclave will take place” May 5 in the Pauline Chapel, not far from the Sistine Chapel where the cardinals will vote for the next pope.

Deacon Marlowe Sabater, minister to seafarers and port workers, reflects on the Gospel story of the risen Christ meeting his disciples on the shore—and connects it to those who work and live at sea today.

An exclusive interview with Archbishop Costelloe about the legacy of Pope Francis and what he hopes for from the conclave

The oldest and youngest cardinals—and some famous papal ‘lasts.’

Pope Francis taught the church that the magisterium finds its clarity not merely in propositions but in acts of mercy.

A Reflection for Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter, by Joe Hoover, S.J.

Listen to the first episode of a new daily podcast series by America magazine’s editors on the ground in Rome covering the conclave to elect the new pope.

The conclave to elect the next pope will open on May 7, Vatican officials announced today. The cardinals meeting in plenary assembly (called general congregations) in the Vatican decided the date this morning, April 28.

A Reflection for Monday of the Second Week of Easter, by Jill Rice

The attention of the church now turns decisively to the question of Francis’ successor and the preparations for the conclave that will elect him.

Dozens, perhaps hundreds, have told me that this time of transition makes them feel unsure, unsettled and uncomfortable, three difficult feelings. Some people have even told me that they are afraid. To which I say: Fear not!

What happens when a pope dies or resigns? How does a papal conclave work? What can we expect from a new pope?

What happens at a conclave? Tom Reese, S.J., answers questions related to the conclave, the event when a new pope is elected by the College of Cardinals.

What happens during the interregnum period? Tom Reese, S.J., explains the time between one pope's death and the succession of the next pope.

What happens when a pope dies or resigns? Tom Reese, S.J., explains the steps in detail of what will occur at the Vatican after a pope's death.

Predicting when the smoke will rise from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel is not an exact science.

St. Óscar Romero's spiritual convictions on the resurrection can be categorized in four ways. First, resurrection is an act and fruit of the Spirit, even now; second, resurrection is a communal, historical reality; third, resurrection is a process of ongoing conversion; and fourth, resurrection is always an eschatological event.