Election of the Pope

Reports on the Conclave of Cardinals from Chicago

Live Coverage of Francis' Inauguration Tuesday

Live coverage begins at 3:30 a.m. on Cozi

Pope Francis

Mar 15, 2013

Victim Advocacy Group Wants Meeting with Pope

SNAP's midwest director calls on Chicago’s Cardinal Francis George to held facilitate dialogue.

Cardinal Francis George

Mar 13, 2013

George Surprised to Share Name With New Pope

Vatican says Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio chose the name Pope Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi.

Roman Catholic Church

Mar 13, 2013

Chicago Reacts to Election of Pope Francis I

Throughout Chicago, at schools and churches and businesses, there was a range of reaction to Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio's elevation to pope. While many remained steadfast in their desire that Pope Francis I...

Barack Obama

Mar 13, 2013

By Ward Room Staff

Obama: Warm Wishes to Pope Francis I

Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Begoglio was elected Wednesday as the new pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He's taken on the name Pope Francis I.

dennis rodman

Mar 13, 2013

Rodman Arrives in Rome to "Support the Cause"

Fresh from a trip to North Korea, the Worm landed in Rome. Dennis Rodman showed up at St. Peter's Square to campaign for Ghanaian cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson to become the first black pope.

cardinals

Mar 12, 2013

Chicago Offers Prayers As Conclave Begins

77 cardinals must agree for one of them to emerge as the new pope.

Mar 15, 2013

For Those in Assisi, Pope's Chosen Name Especially Meaningful

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio chose the name Pope Francis after St. Francis of Assisi. Mary Ann Ahern reports.

Mar 14, 2013

Francis Brings New Style to Papacy

Pope Francis celebrated his first full day as leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday, and one of his first acts was leading the cardinals in a special Mass, telling them to stay true to the roots of the faith...

Mar 13, 2013

With Papal Election, Young Children Witness History

Young students at St. Stanislaus Kostka may not have understood the seriousness of what they were witnessing, but they knew it was important. Charlie Wojciechowski reports.

Mar 12, 2013

All Eyes On Rome Ahead of Conclave

As the cardinals wrap up their final meeting before the conclave begins, everyone in Rome and beyond is on pope watch. Mary Ann Ahern reports from Italy.

About Us

Reporter Mary Ann Ahern files from the field about the process of picking a new Pope. Ahern has covered the church for decades, was the first Chicago TV reporter to file from Vatican City. She was there for the selection of Benedict XVI.