Earlier today I wrote that I like it when papal elections come around because they seem to provide a context for reporting about the Catholic Church that's more sophisticated than is usual, in the ...

UPDATE: (3:25 p.m.): Here he is. His first words to the faithful were: "It seems to me that my brothers and cardinals have chosen one who is from far away, but here I am." UPDATE (3:21 p.m.): ...

ANALYSIS: As the Church prepares to choose a new pope, the role of America’s cardinal-electors offers a glimpse into the conclave’s inner workings. (Top L-R) Cardinal Raymond Burke. Cardinal Blase ...

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in December 1936 as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis is pope of the Catholic Church and ...