Most churches in Italy will soon be replacing the metal shield of the coat of arms of Pope Francis that adorned their facade with Pope Leo XIV’s shield; however, Vatican gardeners have already made the switch.
Vatican gardeners plant botanical reproduction of pope’s coat of arms
Celebration erupted on campus after ‘God of surprises’ worked through conclave
As tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square and throughout Vatican City, watch parties popped up on the campuses of Saint John’s University, the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary.
On electing a pope: 10 frequently asked questions answered
Answers to commonly asked questions about the process on electing a pope as the world waits for the day the white smoke appears.
Vatican drivers, staff to swear oath of secrecy ahead of conclave
While members of the College of Cardinals famously take an oath, so do Vatican staff members, including the elevator operator, doctors and attendants, who will be assisting with the everyday tasks and needs of the cardinals during the conclave which begins May 7.
Build communion with diversity, abbot tells cardinals before conclave
Abbot Donato Ogliari of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome was invited by the cardinals to offer a spiritual meditation April 29 at their general congregation meeting before the conclave begins May 7. The rules for preparing a conclave require the cardinals to invite a cleric known for his “sound doctrine, wisdom and moral authority” to offer meditation.
Where — and when — to watch for white smoke
The conclave is set to begin May 7, but the public only knows its end by iconic white smoke billowing out of the Sistine Chapel’s chimney.
The best place to watch for the smoke is in St. Peter’s Square itself, but the Vatican will also livestream the smoke on its YouTube channel, Vatican Media Live.
Vatican diplomats discuss paths toward peace in Middle East
During their Jan. 13 meeting, the diplomats discussed the “ongoing crisis in the region, the political and ecclesial condition of each country, the signs of hope that can be glimpsed in some, the serious humanitarian situations faced by the people most affected by the conflicts, and the need for solidarity from the international community,” the Vatican said in a statement.
On New Year’s, pope calls for real commitment to respect human life
Marking the feast of Mary, Mother of God, and the start of the new year, Pope Francis renewed his appeal for a “firm commitment” to respect all human life worldwide.