From ‘conclave’ to ‘white smoke,’ a glossary of terms used in a papal transition
By The Associated Press VATICAN CITY (AP) — A change in popes — through death or resignation — is a complicated process, with centuries-old rituals involving the transition in leadership for both the spiritual head of the global Catholic Church…
Ahead of the conclave, the Vatican staff is to be sworn to secrecy under threat of excommunication
By VANESSA GERA Associated Press VATICAN CITY (AP) — Cleaners and cooks. Doctors and nurses. Even drivers and elevator operators. All the support staff for the cardinals who will elect the successor to Pope Francis are taking an oath…
What are the church’s rites for the death of a pope and the election of a new one?
VATICAN CITY (AP) — The death of a pope starts a centuries-old ritual involving sacred oaths by the cardinals electing a successor, the piercing of ballots with a needle and thread after they’re counted, and then burning them to produce…