With the process to elect a new pope now underway, here are some facts to beef up your knowledge about one of the most important and intriguing institutions in the Church: the conclave.
1. The first conclave was held…
conclave
The day will come soon. White smoke will billow out of the famous chimney (which by the way has its own unofficial Twitter handle: @papalsmokestack). St. Peter’s bells will ring. People will flood into St. Peter’s square while millions rush…
“I hope we get a nice pope,” a good Catholic woman told me soon after Benedict XVI announced his resignation.
“I don’t care whether he’s nice or not,” I replied. “I just hope he’s strong.”
Actually, I’d be glad if…
