Reading 1 Acts 8:1b-8 There broke out a severe persecution of the Church in Jerusalem, and all were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria, except the Apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made a loud lament over him. Saul, meanwhile, was trying to destroy the Church; entering house after house and dragging out […]
The 133 cardinal-electors have entered the Sistine Chapel in solemn procession, beginning the conclave that will elect the next and 267th pope. Read all
A longstanding tradition has it that Popes change their names from their baptismal name, though it hasn’t always been the case, especially in the first centuries of Christianity. Popes have often chosen the names of their immediate or distant predecessors out of respect, admiration, or recognition to mark continuity, but also different names to mark […]