Pope Francis called to check in on a Christian congregation in Gaza sheltering at their church almost every night since the Gaza war began. "Today we feel like we are orphans," a spokesperson says.
In the weeks that follow the passing of a pontiff, the city of Rome, and the Vatican in particular, comes alive with discussions over which man is best suited to next lead the church.
Official tells NPR search is underway to replace Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Catholics mourn Pope Francis' death, Supreme Court weighs who should decide public school curriculum.
Villanova University theology professor and papacy expert Massimo Faggioli breaks down why it's so hard to predict who the next pope will be and what direction he'll take the Catholic Church.
The pope's death at age 88 ends a 12-year papacy that began with the historic resignation of Francis' predecessor in 2013. Now a period of mourning begins along with a process to select a new pope.