Hundreds of cardinals attended mass inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican Sunday, to mark the end of a nine-day mourning period for Pope Francis.

The Dicastery for Communication said “Leo XIV inherits the X @Pontifex accounts used by Pope Francis and previously by Benedict XVI.”

The next pope will inherit a soaring deficit and culture of financial malpractice that Francis tried and failed to solve even through his final weeks.

As a fireworks expert tests the Vatican's contemporary system for "holy smoke," Catholic cardinals mull their divergent priorities for Pope Francis' successor.

The 2025 conclave is less predictable than ever after Francis shook up the Catholic Church during his years as pope. More Catholic Church cardinals will move into the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican on May 7 than for any papal election to date: 133 cardinals are expected.

The Catholic Church will now be led by Pope Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old Pontiff native of Chicago. Just this Thursday evening, white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that a successor to Pope Francis had been chosen.

Under church rules, it must start 15 to 20 days after a pope's death; Francis died on April 21. Ahead of the conclave, Vatican officials and employees who will help support the process ...

The Vatican on Thursday, May 8, elected the new Pope of the Catholic Church after pontiff Francis' death. As is the tradition, white smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel means that a new Pope has been chosen with a senior cardinal confirming it by saying 'Habemus Papam' in Latin,

The race is now on for the top job.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was announced as the next pope, becoming the first American leader of the Catholic Church, and taking the name of Pope Leo XIV. Now, the internet is sharing its thoughts through memes and pop culture references.

Prior to his elevation to the papacy, Leo XIV stayed out of the spotlight on certain reforms backed by his predecessor but maintained a close relationship with Pope Francis.