Clemente Lisi

A day after being chosen the first U.S.-born pontiff, Pope Leo XIV said on Friday that his election was both a blessing and a cross to bear. The Chicago-born Augustinian missionary Robert Prevost surprised the world on Thursday when the conclave elected him pope, overcoming the traditional prohibition against a pontiff from the United States.

What’s in a name? That’s a question Catholics often ask after a new pope is elected. One of his first official acts of a new pope is to choose a name. Deeply symbolic, the name often reflects the pope's values or spiritual inspirations.  

With clouds of white smoke emanating from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel and to the loud cheers of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the 133-member conclave elected a new pope on Thursday — choosing Cardinal Robert Prevost. Following the closed-door process known as the conclave, the new pontiff chose the name Leo XIV as the 267th head of the Catholic Church.

Belief in the supernatural — including life after death and the idea that animals and nature can possess spirits — is common across diverse cultures and religions, with younger and older generations sharing similar views, a new survey reveals. The findings paint a nuanced picture of global spirituality, suggesting that beliefs in the unseen are deeply rooted in human cultures and persist even as traditional faith fades.

The president posted an AI-generated image of himself as pope — igniting accusations from many Catholics worldwide of poor taste. The post comes just days before a conclave to elect a new pontiff will be held at the Vatican.

As the U.S. church continues to navigate a changing cultural and technological landscape, Pushpay’s new report makes it clear: Digital tools are no longer optional — they’re essential. Whether through AI, streaming, mobile apps, or giving platforms, technology is reshaping how ministry happens, making it more accessible, inclusive and responsive to the needs of congregations.

One hundred days into President Donald Trump’s second term and white evangelicals continue to be among his strongest supporters, a new study reveals. The findings, put together by Pew Research Center, found that 72% of them approve of the way Trump is currently handling his job as president. That level of support, however, isn’t shared by Americans of other Christian denominations.

(ANALYSIS) With Pope Francis’ funeral in the rearview mirror, the focus at the Vatican shifts to the forthcoming papal conclave and the process of electing the next pontiff.  The Catholic Church is bigger than one single pope, but talk of Francis’ legacy lingers as the church finds itself at a crossroads. It is also something the next pope will have to contend with. 

(EXPLAINER) Pope Francis’ death and funeral will usher in a period of transition for the Catholic Church, with cardinals gathering at the Vatican for the papal conclave, the secretive voting that will result in the election of a new pope. A conclave is the special gathering of cardinals for the purpose of electing a pope. The next conclave is not expected to begin before May 5.

Una multitud de 250,000 personas se congregó el sábado en una soleada Plaza de San Pedro para dar el último adiós al Papa Francisco, quien fue recordado por tener “un corazón abierto hacia todos”.

A crowd of 250,000 gathered in a sun-drenched St. Peter’s Square on Saturday to bid a final farewell to Pope Francis, who was remembered as having had “an open heart towards everyone.” The Argentine-born pope — the first Latin American and first Jesuit pontiff — died this past Monday at the age of 88 after suffering from cardiac arrest while recovering from pneumonia.  

The Basilica of St. Mary Major is one of the four major papal basilicas located in Rome and the largest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the city. Its artistic splendor, architectural grandeur and storied past make it one of the most significant houses of worship in all of Christianity. It will now also serve as Pope Francis’ final resting spot.

Pope Francis’ funeral will be held this Saturday in a ceremony to be held in St. Peter’s Square. The funeral Mass will be celebrated by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals. The decision was announced after cardinals met at the Vatican to plan the events of the coming days.

The Catholic Church’s next leader will likely be chosen from a group of cardinals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in both spiritual and organizational capacities. The process of choosing the next pope is known as a papal conclave. This occurs following the death or resignation of a sitting pope.

Political and religious leaders from around the world offered condolences and tributes following the death of Pope Francis on Monday. The White House’s official X account posted two photos of the pope, one with President Donald Trump and his wife Melania, and the other with Vice President J.D. Vance, with a caption that read: “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis.”

Pope Francis — the first pontiff from the Americas, who clashed with traditional Catholics but was hailed as a reformer by progressives — died on Monday, a day after Easter, at age 88. The pope had been plagued by a series of health issues in recent years. Hours after his death was announced, the Vatican said Francis died from a stroke that put him into a coma and led to heart failure.

Attempting to determine which American city is the “most Christian” is no easy task. The outcome of a new study came with some surprises. The survey, out in time for Easter, has determined that the urban center with the highest religious engagement for Christians, using a variety of metrics and factors, is New York. 

Although a recent study reveals that Lent is largely ignored by many Christians in the United States, there is a trend among members of some conservative Protestant denominations to incorporate it in their Easter observances. Some who are members of conservative Presbyterian denominations have even taken up Lent in a break from tradition.

Under the direction of Trevor Nunn, “The Score” serves up a fascinating dynamic between the king, who harbors his own musical ambitions, and Bach. Over time, despite their contrasting personalities and roles, a mutual respect does develop — despite their religious differences, lifestyles, ambitions and motivations — between the men, culminating in Bach composing a musical offering inspired by Frederick.

Nearly 80 percent of evangelical Protestant pastors reject the scientific consensus that the climate is changing and human actions are a major cause, according to a new report. Only about one-quarter of clergy from other Christian traditions, such as Catholic and mainline Protestants, share this same skepticism.

The best week in sports is upon us once again. The men’s NCAA basket tournament — a time known as “March Madness” — brings with it office pools and, very often, plenty of surprises. It’s a long road to the championship game and a lot will happen between now and April 7. Here are five religiously-affiliated schools that could turn into Cinderella teams and pull off some upsets.

Egg prices typically increase every spring as Easter nears, largely due to demand. However, already-high prices have caused many to forgo eggs altogether this Paschal season. And it isn’t just Christians who are impacted by the high cost. Jews who are preparing to celebrate Passover look to eggs as a special part of their Seder meal. Not this year.  

Located in the heart of Rome, this architectural wonder has stood the test of time as both a testament to the grandeur of Roman architecture and also a site of religious transformation. Over 2,000 years later, the Pantheon stands as a bridge between two worlds: The pagan Romans and the Christianized West. Its architectural brilliance and religious significance make it one of the most fascinating landmarks and a must-visit for Catholics traveling for the Jubilee.

In a case that underscored deep concerns over anti-Muslim sentiment in the United States, a 73-year-old Illinois landlord was convicted Friday of murder and committing a hate crime following the killing of a 6-year-old boy.

As the U.S. continues to evolve religiously, the Pew study underscores the complex and shifting nature of religious belief and practice in America. While Christianity remains the dominant faith, trends suggest that the future may hold further diversification — something fueled by immigration, secularization and the beliefs of Gen Z.

Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a Somali-born Dutch-American activist, author and thinker, has become best known for her outspoken views on Islam, women's rights and the societal consequences of secularism. Her religious journey to becoming one of the most prominent critics of Islam into her recent conversion to Christianity has been shaped by personal experiences of suffering, political activism and intellectual transformation.

Dikembe Mutombo’s towering presence on the basketball court made him a household name. With his signature finger wag and shot-blocking ability, he dominated the NBA for nearly two decades. But it’s his legacy off the court that set him apart as an icon of compassion and service. His parents, both Baptists, instilled in him values of kindness, humility and service to others. These principles would shape Mutombo’s identity as a man and player.

The partisan divide between how Americans view family and the importance of marriage is growing — although most agree that economic challenges continue to be a major concern, a new survey reveals. The annual American Family Survey found that 71% of respondents identified the economy as one of the most important issues affecting families today.