14/03/2013 | World

For electing him, Pope Francis tells cardinals: 'May God forgive you'

"May God forgive you," Bergoglio said to the cardinals at a dinner, raising loud laughter, according to the Vatican’s Spoeksman, Federico Lombardi.

15/03/2013 | World

Vatican denies Pope Francis stayed silent during dictatorship

The Vatican today strongly denied accusations by some critics in Argentina that Pope Francis stayed silent during systematic human rights abuses by the former military dictatorship. Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi told reporters the accusations "must be clearly and firmly denied." He added, "They reveal anti-clerical left-wing elements that are used to attack the Church."

13/03/2013 | World

Argentina's Bergoglio elected as new pope Francis

Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected in a surprise choice to be the new leader of the troubled Roman Catholic Church, the first non-European pontiff in nearly 1,300 years, and said he would take the name Francis.

13/03/2013 | World

Faithful celebrate in St Peter's Square

13/03/2013 | World

Bergoglio delivers first blessing

Pope Francis, the former Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Argetnina, delivered his first blessing to a huge crowd in St Peter's Square on Wednesday night, asking for the prayers of "all men and women of good will" to help him lead the Catholic Church.

10/03/2013 | World

Cardinals pray before conclave to choose new pope

Roman Catholic Cardinals prayed for spiritual guidance ahead of a closed door conclave to choose a new pope to lead the Church at one of the most difficult periods in its history.

12/03/2013 | World

Black smoke signals no pope chosen at conclave

Black smoke rose from the Vatican's Sistine Chapel today, signaling that Roman Catholic cardinals had not elected a new pope in the first vote of their secret conclave.

13/03/2013 | World

Cardinals fail to elect pope after three ballots

Black smoke rose from above the Sistine Chapel for a second day today after a secret conclave of cardinals held two more inconclusive votes for a new pope to lead the troubled Church.

16/02/2013 | World

Conclave electing new pope could start before March 15 - Vatican

The conclave to choose Pope Benedict's successor could start earlier than expected, giving the Roman Catholic Church a new leader by mid March, the Vatican said..

23/02/2013 | World

Vatican accuses Italian media of false reports ahead of conclave

The Vatican today accused the Italian media of spreading "false and damaging" reports in what it condemned as a deplorable attempt to influence cardinals who will meet in a secret conclave next month to elect a new pope.

08/03/2013 | World

Chimney raised on Sistine Chapel as conclave nears

Vatican workers hoisted a chimney onto the roof of the Sistine Chapel in readiness for the conclave of Roman Catholic cardinals that will elect a successor to Pope Benedict.