Pope John Paul II

Thursday 14 March 2013

THE white smoke that rose up a pipe in the roof of the Sistine Chapel to mark the election of Pope Francis is one of the most famous traditions of the papal succession.

Pope Francis: The man who broke the mould

Thursday 14 March 2013

CARDINAL Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina has been elected the new leader of the Catholic Church, becoming the first non-European pontiff for 1292 years.

Francis: the new Argentinian Pope, who makes history as first Jesuit Catholic leader

Wednesday 13 March 2013

A new Pope has been elected: Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 76, from Argentina, who becomes the first Jesuit to lead the world's Catholics.

Cardinals descend on Vatican to decide on next pope

Tuesday 12 March 2013

Catholic cardinals will begin their conclave today to elect the next pope, with no clear front-runner for the job.

Pope makes last address from Vatican window

Monday 25 February 2013

Pope Benedict XVI has spoken from his window at the Vatican for the last time, telling the faithful packed into St Peter's Square the first papal abdication in centuries was God's will and he was not abandoning the Church.