Robert Francis Prevost, who led the Vatican office that selects and manages bishops globally, has spent much of his life outside the United States.

Here’s what to know about Pope Francis’ successor, who was chosen on Thursday. He is the first American pope and will be known as Leo XIV.

In a tradition that scholars date to the 19th century, smoke released from a chimney will be colored white if the cardinals have made a decision, or black if they remain deadlocked.

Six are joining in their first papal conclave, and four others participated in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis.

Ross Douthat, a Times Opinion columnist, hosted an online conversation with Michael Brendan Dougherty, a senior writer at National Review, and Dan Hitchens, a senior editor at First Things, to discuss conservative Catholic hopes and fears for the …

The papal conclave begins.