# Papal Conclave

All time

# Waiting Game

That was quick - but how long have papal conclaves lasted in the past?

The speedy election of this new pope was not a break from tradition…

10.2k

Mar 14th 2013, 7:15 AM

# Papal Conclave

Why do Catholic cardinals wear scarlet for the conclave?

Blood and a willingness to die for their faith as a literal part of the “body” of the Church, apparently.

16.5k

Mar 13th 2013, 7:30 PM

# how hard can it be ted?

The Dougal for Pope campaign is gathering momentum...

…as Dougal himself speaks out.

13.2k

Mar 13th 2013, 12:30 PM

# White Smoke

Explainer: How is a new Pope chosen?

There are currently 209 members of the College of Cardinals – but only 115 of them get a vote in choosing the new pontiff.

20.5k

Mar 12th 2013, 6:30 AM

# pre-conclave

Frontrunners emerge in last day of pre-conclave talks

One of the cardinals in contention, Timothy Dolan, told an interviewer that anyone mentioning him as a candidate must be “smoking marijuana”.

9.1k

Mar 11th 2013, 1:45 PM

# Your Say

Poll: Do you think the next Pope can help reinvigorate the Catholic Church?

March should see a new leader to the world’s estimated 1.2 billion Catholics, but can he make a difference?

6.6k

112

Mar 4th 2013, 9:15 AM

# Catholic Church

Catholic cardinal admits 'sexual conduct fell below standards'

Cardinal Keith O’Brien, who resigned as Britain’s most senior Catholic cleric last week, has now admitted the allegations that were made against them having initially denied them.

4.8k

Mar 4th 2013, 9:14 AM

# White Smoke

A 12-century Irish saint reckons the next pope is the last

St Malachy – the first Irish saint to be canonised by a pope – had a prophecy concerning every pope between then and now.

52.4k

Feb 12th 2013, 3:10 PM