The leader of the world’s 1 billion Roman Catholics addressed past scandals and embraced migrants, the poor and gay and lesbian faithful. Some wished he’d gone further.

The death of Pope Francis sets into motion a series of rituals, some of which go back more than 2,000 years, including how to choose the new pope. Here's what happens next.

It's very possible the next pope could be from Africa, where the Catholic Church continues to add millions of members.

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Thousands of people filed through the central aisle of St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their final respects ...

Pope Francis was the first pontiff elected from the Society of Jesus — also known as the Jesuits. It’s one of the most ...

Pope Francis transformed women's roles in the Catholic Church without changing doctrine. His legacy: creating pathways for ...

Pope Francis, history’s first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor but alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change, ...

A new archbishop will not only need to lead the British church but play a significant role in the Anglican Communion.

A look at nine cardinals being talked about as "papabili" to succeed Pope Francis, whose death at the age of 88 on Monday.

The Vatican said the Catholic leader, who suffered from chronic lung disease and recently spent 38 days in the hospital for a ...