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Vatican

The Vatican is the seat of the Roman Catholic Church and its head, the pope.

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Film still from 'Conclave': actor Ralph Fiennes as a cardinal wearing a red cap and robe, holding up an envelope.

Film still from 'Conclave': actor Ralph Fiennes as a cardinal wearing a red cap and robe, holding up an envelope.

'Conclave': Pope's election turned into political thriller

Cardinals come together in a Vatican conclave to elect the pope's successor in what's become a pop-culture sensation.

Many people lining up to visit the pope's tomb in the church

Many people lining up to visit the pope's tomb in the church

St. Mary Major church: Tomb of Pope Francis opens to public

Hundreds of people queued to visit the tomb of the late Pope Francis at the St. Mary Major church in Rome on Sunday.

The Popemobile with the coffin in the crowded streets of Rome

The Popemobile with the coffin in the crowded streets of Rome

'Grazie, Francesco': Pope buried in Rome

Some 250,000 attended Pope Francis' funeral in Rome on Saturday, including world leaders and ordinary people.

Crowd of people queueing in front of St. Peter's Basilica

Crowd of people queueing in front of St. Peter's Basilica

Pope Francis: Crowds gather in Vatican ahead of funeral

Large crowds are queueing to bid their last farewell to Pope Francis. Over 128,000 people have arrived since Wednesday.

Cardinal Peter Turkson is pictured shaking the hand of Pope Francis in 2022

Cardinal Peter Turkson is pictured shaking the hand of Pope Francis in 2022

Conclave: Odds are still against an African pope

The death of Francis has reignited hopes for an African leader to be installed at the top of the Catholic Church.

A rosary is seen as the body of Pope Francis is placed in an open casket during the rite of the declaration of death in Santa Marta residence at the Vatican, April 21, 2025.

A rosary is seen as the body of Pope Francis is placed in an open casket during the rite of the declaration of death in Santa Marta residence at the Vatican, April 21, 2025.

What happens after a pope dies?

Few things are as carefully choreographed in the Catholic Church as the period between two popes.

A white chair on a red dias is illuminated, as dark clerical figures pass in the foreground

A white chair on a red dias is illuminated, as dark clerical figures pass in the foreground

How and where will Pope Francis be buried?

Pope Francis rewrote papal funeral rites in the last two years of his life, breaking with years of tradition.

Pope Francis appoints new thirteen cardinals during a mass in St. Peter's Basilica

Pope Francis appoints new thirteen cardinals during a mass in St. Peter's Basilica

Who will be the next pope after Francis?

Speculation is rife about the most likely candidates to succeed Pope Francis as the next pontiff.

Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the popemobile after the Easter mass, at St Peter's square in the Vatican, on April 20, 202

Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the popemobile after the Easter mass, at St Peter's square in the Vatican, on April 20, 202

Pope Francis: World, religious leaders pay their respects

Leaders from Asia to the Americas have paid tribute to Pope Francis following his death at the age of 88.

Pope Francis in a black-and-white photo

Pope Francis in a black-and-white photo

Pope Francis' life and legacy

After becoming leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis set out to reform the Vatican and promote climate action.

Pope Francis opens a "Holy Door" at St Peter's basilica to mark the start of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, on December 8, 2015

Pope Francis opens a "Holy Door" at St Peter's basilica to mark the start of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, on December 8, 2015

Did Francis live up to promise as 'pope of the poor'?

Pope Francis slammed capitalism, ecological destruction and preached tolerance, but didn't fulfill all expectations.

Pope Francis celebrates the Easter Vigil in Saint Peters Basilica at the Vatican.

Pope Francis celebrates the Easter Vigil in Saint Peters Basilica at the Vatican.

Francis, a pope both conservative and unconventional

Francis, the first Latin American to lead the Catholic Church, brought change but he did not fulfill hopes for reform.

Pope Francis speaks from a balcony, on the day of the "Urbi et Orbi" message at St. Peter's Square, in the Vatican, on April 20, 2025.

Pope Francis speaks from a balcony, on the day of the "Urbi et Orbi" message at St. Peter's Square, in the Vatican, on April 20, 2025.

Pope Francis sits out Easter Mass, but greets crowd

The 88-year-old pope is recovering from double pneumonia, which left him fighting for his life in the hospital.

The Pope sits in a wheelchair, with a nasal breathing tube, waves

The Pope sits in a wheelchair, with a nasal breathing tube, waves

Pope Francis makes surprise appearance at the Vatican

Pope Francis met with crowds in his first oublic appearance since February 14 after being hospitalized from pneumonia

Tourists look at a piece of the Parthenon frieze in the British Museum

Tourists look at a piece of the Parthenon frieze in the British Museum

Are the Parthenon Sculptures finally returning to Greece?

After UK leaders refused to repatriate Parthenon marbles to Greece, a new government revives restitution hopes.

Pope Francis prays in the chapel of the Gemelli hospital, where he continues his treatment, in Rome, Italy, on March 16, 2025

Pope Francis prays in the chapel of the Gemelli hospital, where he continues his treatment, in Rome, Italy, on March 16, 2025

Pope Francis to be discharged after five weeks in hospital

Doctors treating the pope said he can return to the Vatican on Sunday but will need two months of rest.

Pope at a chapel in a hospital in Rome

Pope at a chapel in a hospital in Rome

Pope Francis' health 'improving,' Vatican says

Pope Francis is 'improving," continues to make progress at physiotherapy and remains fever-free, his doctors said.

Pope Francis shows him praying at the hospital where he is being treated

Pope Francis shows him praying at the hospital where he is being treated

Pope Francis photo released for first time since he fell ill

The 88-year-old could be seen praying as he sat in a wheelchair. His condition is described as stable.

A person praying with a photo of Pope Francis

A person praying with a photo of Pope Francis

Pope Francis showing 'good response' to treatment — Vatican

The 88-year-old pope has been hospitalized with pneumonia since February.

Pope Francis holds the weekly general audience, in Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican, on February 12, 2025

Pope Francis holds the weekly general audience, in Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican, on February 12, 2025

Pope showing 'good response' to treatment, says Vatican

As he begins his fourth week in hospital, Pope Francis is showing a "gradual" improvement, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis attends the weekly general audience in The Vatican [FILE: February 12, 2025]

Pope Francis attends the weekly general audience in The Vatican [FILE: February 12, 2025]

Vatican says Pope Francis had two new breathing attacks

The pope has been in hospital for over two weeks. The 88-year-old pontiff is battling to recover from pneumonia.

Pope Francis attends the weekly general audience

Pope Francis attends the weekly general audience

Pope Francis makes call for world peace from hospital bed

Pope Francis has asked for prayers for the war-torn regions after being hospitalized with bronchitis.

Pope Francis at the Vatican

Pope Francis at the Vatican

Pope Francis spends 'peaceful night' after breathing crisis

The head of the Catholic Church has been in hospital for over two weeks fighting double pneumonia.

Pope Francis presides over a mass for the jubilee of the armed forces in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican [FILE: February 9, 2025]

Pope Francis presides over a mass for the jubilee of the armed forces in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican [FILE: February 9, 2025]

Pope Francis suffers 'breathing crisis,' Vatican says

Pope Francis received "non-invasive mechanical ventilation" to help him breathe, the Vatican said in a statement.

A close up of candles, flowers and handwritten letters, left for Pope Francis who on February 25 remained in a 'critical' condition in hospital

A close up of candles, flowers and handwritten letters, left for Pope Francis who on February 25 remained in a 'critical' condition in hospital

Faithful flock to Rome, praying for Pope to pull through

Catholics in Rome gather to pray outside the hospital where Pope Francis is being treated.

Pope Francis presides over a mass for the jubilee of the armed forces in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, on February 9, 2025

Pope Francis presides over a mass for the jubilee of the armed forces in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, on February 9, 2025

Pope Francis' health is 'critical,' Vatican says

The Holy See said the 88-year-old pontiff was still in danger after suffering a "prolonged asthma-like" attack.

Pope Francis, dressed in white, sits in a white chair while an aide looks on

Pope Francis, dressed in white, sits in a white chair while an aide looks on

Pope Francis' condition 'improving slightly,' Vatican says

Hospitalized for double pneumonia, Pope Francis' condition was improving slightly, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis attends the weekly general audience in The Vatican, on February 12

Pope Francis attends the weekly general audience in The Vatican, on February 12

Pope Francis has 'peaceful night' despite pneumonia battle

The 88-year-old pontiff has been diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs and has spent a fifth night in hospital in Rome.

Pope Francis appears at his studio's window overlooking St. Peter's Square at The Vatican on New Year's Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025

Pope Francis appears at his studio's window overlooking St. Peter's Square at The Vatican on New Year's Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025

Pope Francis hospitalized with bronchitis, Vatican says

The pope will undergo medical examinations and receive treatment for a case of bronchitis, the Vatican said.

DW Shift | VR

DW Shift | VR

Visiting holy sites digitally

VR and AI tools are being used to give believers around the world access to religious sites.

Pope Francis appears at his studio's window overlooking St. Peter's Square

Pope Francis appears at his studio's window overlooking St. Peter's Square

Pope Francis highlights abortion in New Year appeal

The pontiff ushers in 2025 by calling for Catholics to reject abortion, urging a "firm commitment" to protect life.

Mascots Xin, Luce, Fe and Sky, with the little angel Lubi and the dog Santino

Mascots Xin, Luce, Fe and Sky, with the little angel Lubi and the dog Santino

Holy Year 2025: What to expect

The Pope will open the "Jubilee" or "Holy Year 2025" on Christmas Eve. What does that entail?

Pope Francis and US President Joe Biden

Pope Francis and US President Joe Biden

US: Biden to meet with Pope Francis, Italy PM Meloni

President Biden and Pope Francis will be discussing "efforts to advance peace around the world."

General view on the day Pope Francis attends a mass to canonise fourteen new saints including Spanish Father Manuel Ruiz Lopez in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, October 20, 2024.

General view on the day Pope Francis attends a mass to canonise fourteen new saints including Spanish Father Manuel Ruiz Lopez in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, October 20, 2024.

Pope Francis creates 21 new cardinals

Pope Francis has appointed 21 new clergymen to the Catholic Church's College of Cardinals.

Pope Francis looks at the cardinals he has appointed in red robes (in 2022)

Pope Francis looks at the cardinals he has appointed in red robes (in 2022)

Pope Francis names diverse group of cardinals

Francis is further shaping the circle of senior Catholic clergy who will eventually elect his successor in the conclave.

A Chinese flag waving in front of the Wangfujiang Catholic Church in Beijing, China

A Chinese flag waving in front of the Wangfujiang Catholic Church in Beijing, China

China and Vatican agree to extend controversial bishops deal

Some conservative Catholics have criticized the accord for handing over too much control to Beijing.

Pope Francis kisses the hand of Indonesia's Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar

Pope Francis kisses the hand of Indonesia's Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar

Vatican's 'pivot to Asia' reflected in Pope Francis' tour

The pope's 12-day tour shows that the Vatican — like many other Western states — is working to deepen ties with Asia.

St. Joseph's Church with a Chinese flag flying

St. Joseph's Church with a Chinese flag flying

Decoding China: The Vatican's difficult diplomacy

To what extent can China allow the Catholic Church in the country if Beijing has little influence over the Vatican?

Pope Francis sits on a chair while addressing the faithful in Venice

Pope Francis sits on a chair while addressing the faithful in Venice

Pope Francis travels to Venice to attend Biennale

The pontiff flew from the Vatican into a women's prison in Venice, home to the Vatican's exhibition at the Biennale.

Pilgrims from Vietnam pose as they gather to attend mass led by Pope Francis at the Steppe Arena in Ulaanbaatar on September 3, 2023

Pilgrims from Vietnam pose as they gather to attend mass led by Pope Francis at the Steppe Arena in Ulaanbaatar on September 3, 2023

Vatican eyes closer ties with communist Vietnam

Religious organizations in Vietnam are tightly under the thumb of the communist authorities.

Pope Francis gestures as he delivers his "Urbi et Orbi" (To the city and the world) message at St. Peter's Square, on Easter Sunday, at the Vatican March 31, 2024.

Pope Francis gestures as he delivers his "Urbi et Orbi" (To the city and the world) message at St. Peter's Square, on Easter Sunday, at the Vatican March 31, 2024.

Vatican: Pope Francis urges peace on Easter Sunday

He called for peace in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages, and for prisoner swaps between Russia and Ukraine.

Pope Francis waves after presiding over the Easter vigil celebration in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Saturday, March 30, 2024

Pope Francis waves after presiding over the Easter vigil celebration in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Saturday, March 30, 2024

Pope Francis leads Easter vigil after health concerns

Pope Francis used his homily to decry war and hatred in the world. It comes a day after he missed an Easter procession.

Pope Francis, seen here, has been battling health problems since last year

Pope Francis, seen here, has been battling health problems since last year

Pope Francis skips Good Friday procession for health reasons

It marks the second year in a row the 87-year-old has had to pull out of the Good Friday procession.

Pope Francis receives German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during an audience at the Vatican March 2, 2024.

Pope Francis receives German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during an audience at the Vatican March 2, 2024.

Germany's Scholz meets Pope Francis at the Vatican

The German chancellor said his talk with the head of the Catholic Church was "important" and "meaningful."

Married and same-sex couples take part in a public blessing ceremony in front of the Cologne Cathedral in Cologne, Germany, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023.

Married and same-sex couples take part in a public blessing ceremony in front of the Cologne Cathedral in Cologne, Germany, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023.

Vatican: Same-sex couple 'blessings' aren't 'heretical'

The Vatican said it could not be "blasphemous," not least because they are "blessings without a liturgical format."

A church welcoming LGBT+ people to the congregation

A church welcoming LGBT+ people to the congregation

Pope Francis allows Catholic blessings for same-sex couples

The Vatican allows priests to bless same-sex couples, but adds that such blessings are not a sign of approval.

Cardinal Angelo Becciu and Pope Francis stand side by side as the pope signs a document

Cardinal Angelo Becciu and Pope Francis stand side by side as the pope signs a document

Vatican cardinal handed 5.5 years jail for embezzlement

Cardinal Angelo Becciu is the highest-ranking Catholic Church official to stand before the Vatican court.

Pope Francis arrives in the Paul IV hall on the occasion of the weekly general audience at the Vatican, Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023.

Pope Francis arrives in the Paul IV hall on the occasion of the weekly general audience at the Vatican, Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023.

Pope Francis 'still not well' after canceling COP28 trip

The 86-year-old pontiff was set to become the first Catholic Church head to address the UN climate summit.

Pope Francis delivers his blessing during the Angelus prayer, from his residence rather than St Peter's Square, on November 26, 2023

Pope Francis delivers his blessing during the Angelus prayer, from his residence rather than St Peter's Square, on November 26, 2023

Pope Francis 'good, stable' but suffers lung inflammation

The Vatican says the Pontiff is showing signs of improvement after suffering from lung inflammation.

Fokus Europa Italien Papstschneider

Fokus Europa Italien Papstschneider

The pope's tailor

Filippo Sorcinelli has tailored the vestments of many Catholic dignitaries.