Speculation, suspense: Italian media rife with papal predictions
Online betting and trending sites were not the only outlets posting their papal predictions. Italian newspapers are historically the boldest and most confident in their daily speculations and conclave scenarios.
Black smoke: No new pope on first evening of conclave
Despite the rain, thousands of people filled St. Peter's Square after dark March 12, the first evening of the conclave, to witness the black smoke that signaled the Catholic Church's 115 cardinal electors had failed, as expected, to elect a pope on the first ballot.
In pre-conclave sermon, Cardinal Sodano calls for unity
Hours before the start of the conclave that will choose the next pope, the dean of the College of Cardinals celebrated the papacy as a source of unity among Catholics and of evangelization and charitable service to the world.
Whole church called to enter conclave in prayer, archbishop says
Although there will only be 115 cardinals in the Sistine Chapel voting for a pope, the whole church joins them in prayer and expectation, said the archbishop who spearheaded the design of the conclave rites and prayers.
Habemus list of cardinal electors’ Latin names
Here is an alphabetical list of the cardinal electors' first names in Latin, in the accusative case, which is likely to be that used when announcing the name of the new pope.
Every cardinal in his place: Internal ranking determines seating chart
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In their general congregation meetings, in liturgical processions and in the Sistine Chapel, every cardinal has a place and each cardinal knows his place.
Cardinals end pre-conclave meetings, hear report on Vatican bank
During their last meeting before entering the conclave to elect a new pope, the world's cardinals heard a report on the Vatican bank and continuing efforts to comply with international standards to prevent money laundering and the funding of terrorism.
Pastor, educator: Genoa’s Cardinal Bagnasco promotes traditional family
With extensive pastoral experience and a background in education, Italian Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco of Genoa, 70, has served as president of the Italian bishops' since 2007.
Preoccupation with pope’s personality can be unhealthy, historian says
Centuries ago -- prior to mass media -- popes and the conclaves to elect them did not have the worldwide attention they do now, a historian told reporters.
Quid est in nomine? Latin name is first clue to new pope’s identity
The first clue to the identity of the new pope will be the announcement of his first name -- in Latin, in the accusative case. If he is not the one chosen, French Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, the top-ranked cardinal-deacon, will say, in Latin, "I announce to you a great joy. We have a pope: His most Eminent and Reverend Lordship, Lord ..." followed by the Latin version of the chosen cardinal's first name.
