Black smoke poured from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday, signifying that the cardinals did not elect a new pope on the first ballot. The cardinals are considering difficult and divisive ...

NPR's Scott Detrow speaks with Philip Shenon, author of "Jesus Wept: Seven Popes and the Battle for the Soul of the Catholic Church," about how Pope Francis' legacy will shape the upcoming conclave.

Mr. Shenon, a former Washington and foreign correspondent for The Times, is the author of “Jesus Wept: Seven Popes and the Battle for the Soul of the Catholic Church.” How will history judge Pope ...

We turn now to another important vote taking place in the coming days, this one in the Sistine Chapel. Now that Pope Francis has been buried, the College of Cardinals is preparing for a conclave. That ...