As we prepare for a new papacy, an important question faces the church: What foundations do we inherit from Pope Francis’ bold reimagining of Catholic moral theology? How will the church carry forward the vision he nurtured—a vision both thoroughly traditional and courageously new?

Somehow, incredibly, this celibate, elderly man often doled out some of the best and most valuable parenting advice I’ve received along the way.

America’s editors on the ground in Rome discuss the latest conclave news and the work that remain for whoever is elected as Pope Francis’ successor.

Much of what you hear about who the next pope will be, spoken with enormous confidence by people in the know, is often completely contradictory.

Cardinals Rosa and Sako said they expect the conclave to be brief and last two to three days. While not revealing a name, Cardinal Sako said he already had a “very clear” idea of who he intended to vote for.

All 135 cardinals who are under the age of 80 and have not renounced the right to enter the conclave will have full voting rights.

Mario Vargas Llosa's long literary life established him as a monumental figure in Spanish-language literature and Latin American history.

A Reflection for Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter, by Heather Trotta

Canon law does not give much specific direction about who can make decisions for the church during the interregnum.

How “unity” and “clarity” are becoming buzzwords for reversing Pope Francis’ style of governance: a Conclave Podcast from America’s team in Rome

“He has given a great witness of humility, of closeness to the people, of living out the Gospel values. He has left a great example for us to follow,” a priest from Honduras told America.

In an April 29 statement, the Vatican said “the oath of the officials and attendants of the conclave will take place” May 5 in the Pauline Chapel, not far from the Sistine Chapel where the cardinals will vote for the next pope.

Deacon Marlowe Sabater, minister to seafarers and port workers, reflects on the Gospel story of the risen Christ meeting his disciples on the shore—and connects it to those who work and live at sea today.

An exclusive interview with Archbishop Costelloe about the legacy of Pope Francis and what he hopes for from the conclave

The oldest and youngest cardinals—and some famous papal ‘lasts.’

Pope Francis taught the church that the magisterium finds its clarity not merely in propositions but in acts of mercy.

A Reflection for Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter, by Joe Hoover, S.J.

Listen to the first episode of a new daily podcast series by America magazine’s editors on the ground in Rome covering the conclave to elect the new pope.

The conclave to elect the next pope will open on May 7, Vatican officials announced today. The cardinals meeting in plenary assembly (called general congregations) in the Vatican decided the date this morning, April 28.