Pope Francis
Follow the latest Pope Francis news, videos, and analysis from ABC News.
6 minutes ago

Who is favored to be the next pope? Experts weigh in

After the death of Pope Francis on Monday, the question looming around the world is, who will become the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church? Experts weigh in.
6 minutes ago
Pope Francis is silhouetted against a window light at the end of a meeting with Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo at the Vatican Oct. 25, 2013.
41 minutes ago

From Whoopi Goldberg to Jimmy Fallon: Celebrities who met the pope share memories

Celebrities are mourning the death of Pope Francis after his death on Monday.
41 minutes ago
Pope Francis meets with Whoopi Goldberg during an audience with artists from the world of humour at the Apostolic Palace on June 14, 2024 in Vatican City, Vatican.
2 hours ago

This is how Pope Francis viewed climate change

When Pope Francis died the world lost not only the leader of the Catholic Church but also the first pontiff in history to take a stance on climate change.
2 hours ago
Pope Francis delivers his "Urbi et Orbi" message from the balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square at the Vatican April 16, 2017.
2 hours ago

How and when the new pope will be chosen after Pope Francis' death

The centuries-old process to pick a new pope, known as the papal conclave, typically occurs 15-20 days after a pope's death.
2 hours ago
The centuries-old process to pick a new pope, known as the papal conclave, typically occurs 15-20 days after a pope's death. The Catholic Church's cardinals gather in a secluded area inside Vatican City, devoid of contact from the outside world.
2 hours ago

What Pope Francis said about controversial issues

During Francis’ time as pope, he spoke on a wide array of controversial and political issues, including immigration, same-sex marriage, LGBTQ rights and surrogacy.
2 hours ago
Pope Francis prays at the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest site, in Jerusalem's Old City, May 26, 2014.
2 hours ago

Pope Francis and Donald Trump clashed for years over treatment of migrants

Pope Francis clashed with Donald Trump several times over the years, primarily on Trump's immigration policy and rhetoric toward migrants.
2 hours ago
Ivanka Trump, first lady Melania Trump, and President Donald Trump stand with Pope Francis during a meeting, May 24, 2017, at the Vatican.
3 hours ago

A timeline of Pope Francis' health issues from hospitalization to final appearance

Pope Francis had been suffering from health issues in the weeks before his death, including a more than one-month stay in the hospital.
3 hours ago
Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the main balcony of St. Peter's basilica during the Urbi et Orbi message and blessing to the city and the world as part of Easter celebrations, at St Peter's square in the Vatican, April 20, 2025.
4 hours ago

What we know about Cardinal Kevin Farrell, now the Vatican's interim manager

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the senior Vatican official who announced Pope Francis's death on Monday morning.
4 hours ago
Pope Francis greets Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell during the 37th World Youth Day at Parque Tejo, Aug. 6, 2023, in Lisbon, Portugal.
4 hours ago

Pope Francis' death certificate released

Pope Francis’ death certificate, released by the Vatican, said he died in his apartment at 7:35 a.m. from cerebral stroke, coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.
4 hours ago
VIDEO: Pope Francis' death certificate released
4 hours ago

What we know about Cardinal Kevin Farrell

Farrell announced Pope Francis' death to the world on Monday.
4 hours ago
Farrell announced Pope Francis' death to the world on Monday.
4 hours ago

Reflecting on Pope Francis’ final Easter Sunday

ABC News contributor Father John Wauck discusses the late pontiff's final Easter Sunday appearance in St. Peter's Square.
4 hours ago
VIDEO: What happens during papal conclave after Pope Francis’ death
4 hours ago

A look at Pope Francis' health issues

ABC News Medical Contributor Dr. Alok Patel discusses the health issues Pope Francis had been suffering in the weeks before his death, including a more than one-month stay in the hospital.
4 hours ago
VIDEO: A look at Pope Francis' health issues
4 hours ago

Rosary prayer service in St. Peter's Square following news of Pope Francis' death

The Rosary prayer service is being presided by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti after Pope Francis’ death on Monday.
4 hours ago
VIDEO: Rosary prayer service in St. Peter's Square following news of Pope Francis' death
4 hours ago

Cardinal Timothy Dolan remembers Pope Francis

The archbishop of New York reflects on the late pontiff and his legacy following his death Monday morning.
4 hours ago
VIDEO: Cardinal Timothy Dolan remembers Pope Francis
4 hours ago

Looking back at Pope Francis’ health

ABC News medical correspondent Dr. Darien Sutton discusses the late pontiff’s health challenges over the years.
4 hours ago
VIDEO: Looking back at Pope Francis’ health
April 21, 2025 at 5:40 PM

I met Pope Francis on a flight. This was our unforgettable exchange

ABC News' Terry Moran met Pope Francis on a flight while on assignment as a reporter. Moran, whose wife was expecting at the time, recounted the memorable conversation he had with the pope.
April 21, 2025 at 5:40 PM
ABC News' Terry Moran met Pope Francis on a flight while on assignment as a reporter. Moran, whose wife was expecting at the time, recounted the memorable conversation he had with the pope, a story he shares with his now-8-year-old daughter.
April 21, 2025 at 4:21 PM

Pope Francis' death puts spotlight on 'Conclave' movie: How accurate is it?

The movie "Conclave" depicts the process by which a new pope is elected.
April 21, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Ralph Fiennes stars as Cardinal Lawrence in "Conclave," 2024.
April 21, 2025 at 4:15 PM

Robin Roberts looks back on meeting Pope Francis

The “GMA” anchor took viewers behind the scenes of Vatican City in 2013 and recalls having a brief, yet impactful, encounter with the pope just nine months into his papacy.
April 21, 2025 at 4:15 PM
VIDEO: Robin Roberts looks back on meeting Pope Francis
April 21, 2025 at 4:15 PM

How is the next pope selected?

The Church’s cardinals will gather in a secluded part of Vatican City to go over their options and vote for a new leader in the Sistine Chapel, sending out the iconic white smoke when one is chosen.
April 21, 2025 at 4:15 PM
VIDEO: How is the next pope selected?
April 21, 2025 at 4:15 PM

Remembering Pope Francis

Throughout his 12-year pontificate, Francis was an advocate for the poor and many saw his papacy as the start of a new era for the Catholic church, marked by greater inclusion and acceptance.
April 21, 2025 at 4:15 PM
VIDEO: Remembering Pope Francis
April 21, 2025 at 4:05 PM

Pope Francis makes surprise appearance at St. Peter's Basilica

Pope Francis made a short and unannounced visit Saturday to St. Peter's Basilica to pray before this evening's Easter vigil and greeted some of the faithful present.
April 21, 2025 at 4:05 PM
In this screen grab from a video, Pope Francis greeting people at St. Peter's Basilica, on April 19, 2025.
April 21, 2025 at 3:46 PM

Argentina mourns the death of Pope Francis

Argentinian journalist Inés San Martín discusses the late pontiff’s 2013 visit to Rio de Janeiro for World Youth Day.
April 21, 2025 at 3:46 PM
VIDEO: Argentina mourns the death of Pope Francis
April 21, 2025 at 3:46 PM

Pope Francis was a ‘good man,’ President Trump says

President Donald Trump made remarks about the pontiff’s death at a White House event.
April 21, 2025 at 3:46 PM
VIDEO: Pope Francis was a ‘good man,’ President Trump says
April 21, 2025 at 3:46 PM

Pope Francis’ relationships with US presidents

ABC News’ Karen Travers reports on the late pontiff’s visits with U.S. presidents.
April 21, 2025 at 3:46 PM
VIDEO: Pope Francis’ relationships with US presidents
April 21, 2025 at 3:20 PM

Pope Francis’ ‘extraordinary’ approach to LGBTQ+ issues: Vatican consultant

ABC News contributor Father James Martin discusses the late pontiff’s personality and his “pastoral outreach” on LGBTQ+ issues.
April 21, 2025 at 3:20 PM
VIDEO: Pope Francis’ ‘extraordinary’ approach to LGBTQ+ issues: Vatican consultant
April 21, 2025 at 2:59 PM

Electing a new pope: What happens next and what is a papal conclave?

What to know about electing a new pope after the death of Pope Francis.
April 21, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Pope Francis celebrates Holy Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, November 29, 2020.
April 21, 2025 at 2:37 PM

Pope Francis in pop culture

Often referred to as “the people’s pope,” Pope Francis embraced social media and his story was immortalized in books and on the big screen.
April 21, 2025 at 2:37 PM
VIDEO: Pope Francis in pop culture
April 21, 2025 at 2:37 PM

How Pope Francis changed the Catholic Church and what’s next

ABC News contributor Helen Alvare shares how the late pontiff made the church more contemporary and what the future of the Catholic Church holds.
April 21, 2025 at 2:37 PM
VIDEO: How Pope Francis changed the Catholic Church and what’s next
April 21, 2025 at 2:37 PM

How Pope Francis responded to scandals plaguing Catholic Church

The pontiff called for zero tolerance for clergy who sexually abused children early in his papacy and abolished pontifical secrecy for abuse cases.
April 21, 2025 at 2:37 PM
VIDEO:
April 21, 2025 at 2:37 PM

Looking into the legacy of Pope Francis

Throughout his 12-year pontificate, Pope Francis was a vocal advocate for the poor and underprivileged and promoting a new era of greater inclusion and acceptance of diverse Catholics.
April 21, 2025 at 2:37 PM
VIDEO: Looking into the legacy of Pope Francis
April 21, 2025 at 2:31 PM

Pope Francis dies at 88

The leader of the Catholic Church, the first ever from Latin America, who delivered his final message to the world on Easter Sunday, died on Monday morning, the Vatican announced.
April 21, 2025 at 2:31 PM
VIDEO: Pope Francis dies at 88
April 21, 2025 at 2:31 PM

White House responds to Pope Francis’ death

The White House posted the message “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis” on social media with Vice President JD Vance being one of the last foreign dignitaries to have an audience with the Pope.
April 21, 2025 at 2:31 PM
VIDEO: White House responds to Pope Francis’s death
April 21, 2025 at 2:01 PM

President Trump reacts to Pope Francis’ death

Trump shared a message on social media Monday morning following the death of the pontiff.
April 21, 2025 at 2:01 PM
VIDEO: President Trump reacts to Pope Francis’ death
April 21, 2025 at 2:03 PM

The death of Pope Francis to be followed by rites and rituals

ABC News’ Aaron Katersky reports on the steps the Vatican will take after the pontiff’s death.
April 21, 2025 at 2:03 PM
VIDEO: The death of Pope Francis to be followed by rites and rituals
April 21, 2025 at 1:59 PM

Pope Francis legacy of inclusion in the Catholic Church

Father James Martin discusses his moments meeting the late Pope and his legacy of marking a new era for the Catholic Church by showing more inclusion and acceptance of LGBTQ Catholics.
April 21, 2025 at 1:59 PM
VIDEO: Pope Francis legacy of inclusion in the Catholic church
April 21, 2025 at 1:55 PM

Which cardinals are seen as contenders to be the next pope?

Even though cardinals don’t campaign for the job, there are always front-runners going into a conclave to choose the next pope
April 21, 2025 at 1:55 PM
FILE - Cardinal Peter Erdo officiates the Easter Vigil ceremony at the St Stephen's Basilica of Budapest for Easter Vigil services on Saturday, April 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos, File)
April 21, 2025 at 1:35 PM

The rites and rituals following the death of a pope and his funeral explained

The death of a pope sets in motion a series of carefully orchestrated rites and rituals well before the conclave to elect his successor begins
April 21, 2025 at 1:35 PM
FILE - Faithful gather in front of St. Mary Major Basilica where Pope Francis presided over a procession on the Catholic festivity of Corpus Domini (Body of the Lord), in Rome, Sunday, June 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, file)
April 21, 2025 at 1:29 PM

Popes through the ages: Some facts you might not know

Here are some things about the papacy, and popes through the ages, that you might not know.
April 21, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Pope Francis conducts the Palm Sunday Celebrations in St Peter's Square on March 24, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican.
April 21, 2025 at 1:10 PM

Read Pope Francis' final Easter address

Pope Francis died on Monday, one day after addressing the crowd from the main balcony of St. Peter's Basilica on Easter Sunday.
April 21, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Pope Francis delivers his Urbi Et Orbi Blessing blessing from the balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square, April 20, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican.
April 21, 2025 at 1:13 PM

Pope Francis' final Easter address

Pope Francis died on Monday, one day after addressing the crowd from the main balcony of St. Peter's Basilica on Easter Sunday.
April 21, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Pope Francis died on Monday, one day after addressing the crowd from the main balcony of St. Peter's Basilica on Easter Sunday.
April 21, 2025 at 12:16 PM

World reacts to death of Pope Francis

ABC News' Trevor Ault reports from the Saint Patrick's Cathedral in New York City on the world's reaction to the death of Pope Francis.
April 21, 2025 at 12:16 PM
VIDEO: World reacts to passing of Pope Francis
April 21, 2025 at 12:16 PM

Papal conclave should be about what ‘church needs in the future’: Vatican consultant

ABC News contributor Helen Alvare discusses the late pontiff’s legacy and next steps in electing a new pope.
April 21, 2025 at 12:16 PM
ABC News contributor Helen Alvare discusses the late pontiff’s legacy and next steps in electing a new pope.
April 21, 2025 at 12:16 PM

The current mood at the Vatican following Pope Francis' death

Father John Wauck describes the current mood at the Vatican following the death of Pope Francis, just a day after giving his blessing on Easter Sunday.
April 21, 2025 at 12:16 PM
VIDEO: The current mood at the Vatican following Pope Francis passing
April 21, 2025 at 12:16 PM

The final days of Pope Francis

Vatican reporter Colleen Dulle discusses how the late pontiff spent his final days and how he’ll be remembered by Catholics around the world.
April 21, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Vatican reporter Colleen Dulle discusses how the late pontiff spent his final days and how he’ll be remembered by Catholics around the world.
April 21, 2025 at 11:32 AM

Pope Francis surprises thousands in Vatican City 

Pope Francis made a surprise appearance in St. Peter’s Square amid Easter celebrations on Sunday.  
April 21, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Pope Francis surprises thousands in Vatican City 
April 21, 2025 at 11:19 AM

Pope Francis’ death after Easter is ‘providence’: Vatican analyst

Father John Wauck and ABC News' Marcus Moore discuss the late pontiff’s final public appearance and the timing of his death.
April 21, 2025 at 11:19 AM
Father John Wauck and ABC News' Marcus Moore discuss the late pontiff’s final public appearance and the timing of his death.
April 21, 2025 at 11:12 AM

Pope Francis, leader of the Roman Catholic Church, dies at 88

Francis captured the imaginations of believers and non-believers alike.
April 21, 2025 at 11:12 AM
As the leader of the Catholic Church, Francis captured the imaginations of believers and non-believers alike, with his populist style giving the church's message of social justice far greater resonance than that of many of his predecessors.
April 21, 2025 at 11:12 AM

Pope Francis' legacy marked by reform efforts, outreach to 'marginalized'

The 266th pontiff strived to make the Catholic Church more contemporary.
April 21, 2025 at 11:12 AM
The 266th pontiff strived to make the Catholic Church more contemporary.
April 21, 2025 at 11:12 AM

Pope Francis ‘reimaged the Catholic Church’

Father Thomas J. Reese, senior analyst for Religious News Service, and Vatican consultant Father James Martin discuss the late pontiff’s legacy.
April 21, 2025 at 11:12 AM
Father Thomas J. Reese, senior analyst for Religious News Service, and Vatican consultant Father James Martin discuss the late pontiff’s legacy.
April 21, 2025 at 10:44 AM

From Buenos Aires to Rome: Key dates in the life of Pope Francis

The first pope from the Americas was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Dec. 17, 1936
April 21, 2025 at 10:44 AM
FILE - Pope Francis arrives in a wheelchair to attend an audience with nuns and religious superiors in the Paul VI Hall at The Vatican with his aide Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza, right, Thursday, May 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, File)