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Pope Francis presides over the Vespers prayer service on the day of the Ascension of Jesus Christ at St Peter's Basilica
Image: Vatican Media/Catholic Press/picture allianceImage: Vatican Media/Catholic Press/picture alliance

Pope Francis

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Catholic pope by the papal conclave in 2013, after his predecessor, Pope Benedict, resigned. He chose his papal name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi.

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News

December 25, 2024

Christmas updates: Bethlehem hosts subdued celebrations

December 20, 2024

US: Biden to meet with Pope Francis, Italy PM Meloni

December 15, 2024

Pope Francis makes first-ever papal visit to Corsica

Skip next section Reports & Analysis

Reports & Analysis

Mascots Xin, Luce, Fe and Sky, with the little angel Lubi and the dog Santino

Holy Year 2025: What to expect

Holy Year 2025: What to expect

The Pope will open the "Jubilee" or "Holy Year 2025" on Christmas Eve. What does that entail?
ReligionDecember 22, 2024
Pope Francis looks at the cardinals he has appointed in red robes (in 2022)

Pope Francis names diverse group of cardinals

Pope Francis names diverse group of cardinals

Francis is further shaping the circle of senior Catholic clergy who will eventually elect his successor in the conclave.
ReligionDecember 6, 2024
Pope Francis kisses the hand of Indonesia's Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar

Vatican's 'pivot to Asia' reflected in Pope Francis' tour

Vatican's 'pivot to Asia' reflected in Pope Francis' tour

The pope's 12-day tour shows that the Vatican — like many other Western states — is working to deepen ties with Asia.
ReligionSeptember 13, 2024
Prisca Convalves, a resident of East Timor’s capital Dili threatened with eviction

Pope Francis' visit to East Timor sparks controversy

Pope Francis' visit to East Timor sparks controversy

In East Timor, a sprawling altar built for the pontiff's imminent visit has threatened many locals with eviction.
ReligionSeptember 9, 202403:12 min
Pope Francis meets with the faithful of the diocese of Vanimo

Pope Francis visits remote town in Papua New Guinea

Pope Francis visits remote town in Papua New Guinea

On the third day of his trip to Papua New Guinea, Pope Francis headed to the small town of Vanimo.
ReligionSeptember 8, 2024
Pope Francis and Nasaruddin Umar, the grand imam of Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque

In Indonesia, Pope Francis warns of religious intolerance

In Indonesia, Pope Francis warns of religious intolerance

Pope Francis is on a four-nation tour of tropical Southeast Asia and Oceania.
ReligionSeptember 5, 202401:47 min
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Skip next section In the spotlight

In the spotlight

Pope Francis in a wheelchair

Pope Francis sets off on his longest trip yet — at 87

Pope Francis is traveling to Southeast Asia and Oceania on a long-planned trip. He will be airborne for a good 43 hours.
ReligionSeptember 2, 2024
Pope Francis leads the Angelus prayer from his window, at The Vatican

Africans differ over clerical blessings for same-sex couples

The pope's approval for same-sex couple blessings has sparked confusion — and left the LGBTQ+ community wanting more.
ReligionDecember 21, 2023
Pope Francis during the final mass at the synod in St Peter's Basilica

World Synod: Catholic Church identifies areas for reform

After four weeks, an assembly of the world's bishops has come to an end at the Vatican.
ReligionOctober 30, 2023
St Peter's Basilica at sunset

Catholic Church synod: How explosive are calls for reform?

The church is in crisis but a major meeting of bishops in Rome will see unusually open dialogue.
ReligionOctober 3, 2023
A billboard along a busy street shows Pope Francis, as motorcyles and cars drive by

Pope Francis travels to Congo with a pious wish for peace

The visit to Congo, a nation where the Catholic Church has long played a dominant role, will be the first in 37 years.
ReligionJanuary 29, 2023
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