How do religions choose their leaders? What to know as Catholics prepare for next pope

From conclaves to reincarnation, religious traditions around the world follow different rules when selecting new spiritual leaders. Here’s how major religions make their choices.

The pope’s regnal name: What it is and why it matters

When a new pope is elected, one of his first decisions is to choose a regnal name — a symbolic gesture that reveals spiritual inspiration, political intent, and historical legacy.

White smoke vs. black smoke: What it means for the pope

Following Pope Francis’ death, the Vatican begins the conclave to elect a new pope, with smoke signals from the Sistine Chapel marking the votes.

Conclave schedule: How the Catholic church picks a new pope

Here's when we could see smoke -- and a new pope -- now that the conclave is getting underway in Vatican City.

Trump's AI image of himself as pope draws criticism ahead of conclave

President Donald Trump’s latest social media stunt – an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope – sparked immediate backlash.

Trump at pope’s funeral: Talks with Zelenskyy before Mass

This was the first face-to-face meeting for the two world leaders after their heated exchange in the Oval Office in February.

When does conclave start? What to know about choosing the next pope

After a period of mourning, cardinals will gather to elect the next pope in the centuries-old ritual known as the conclave. Here’s what we know about its beginnings.

Pope Francis remembered with massive, historic funeral

The funeral for Pope Francis is getting underway soon in Vatican City. The 88-year-old pontiff was known for charming the world with his humble style and concern for the poor.

Pope Francis funeral homily: Watch and read full transcript

Pope Francis was remembered as a “pope among the people" in his funeral Mass Saturday, eulogized by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.

Doctor recalls Pope Francis' final moments in new interview

Pope Francis managed a gesture of farewell before he passed away early Monday. Those around him said it appeared he didn't suffer.

How to watch Pope Francis' funeral

Pope Francis’ funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square and will be led by the dean of the College of Cardinals.

Pope Francis' body moved to St. Peter's Basilica for public viewing

There will be three days of public viewing at St. Peter's Basilica to allow the public to grieve the 88-year-old Pope Francis, who died Monday after suffering a stroke.

Metro Detroit Chaldean Catholics mourn the death of Pope Francis

There are over 200,000 Chaldean Catholics in Metro Detroit, and although not necessarily well known as Catholics, they are mourning the loss of Pope Francis as well.

You can bet on the next pope; here's who's currently favored

As the world awaits an official announcement of who will be the next pontiff, here's who the oddsmakers favor to replace Pope Francis.

When is Pope Francis' funeral? Cardinals set date, along with public viewing

Pope Francis' funeral date has been announced by the Vatican, as well as when public viewing will begin for people to pay their final respects to history's first Latin American pope.

Archdiocese of Detroit hosts Mass of Suffrage for Pope Francis

Millions around the world are mourning Pope Francis after he died at the age of 88, including here in Metro Detroit.

A look inside Detroit's Pope Francis Center, which helps many in need

The Pope Francis Center on Detroit’s west side continues the legacy of a man devoted to helping the community after the death of Pope Francis on April 21.