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Pope Francis

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A street musician plays a violin outside the Sant’Angelo castle as the sun sets in Rome on Sunday.

As I cover the world’s biggest stories, my mind always returns to that Australian classroom

So often during my time in Europe, I have been struck by deja vu – only to realise that Ms Needham had brought me here once before, through the pages of a history book.

  • Rob Harris

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Cardinal Robert Prevost appears on the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica after being chosen the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, choosing the name of Pope Leo XIV, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

Pope Leo LIVE updates: Vatican Conclave elects Cardinal Robert Prevost, first pontiff born in the United States

The US-born missionary and senior Vatican official has become the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church in its 2000-year history. Follow our live updates.

  • Rob Harris
Pope Leo XIV appears on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica after his election, at the Vatican.

A Vatican code word reveals what you need to know about Pope Leo

In taking charge of a church wracked by division, Pope Leo XIV will have to walk a tightrope.

  • Barney Zwartz
In 2023, newly elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost received his biretta from Pope Francis at the Vatican.

Who is Pope Leo XIV?

Catholic cardinals broke with tradition when they and elected the first US pope, Chicago-born missionary Robert Prevost.

  • Nicole Winfield and Vanessa Gera
US President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance.

New Pope’s reposts suggest he’s no fan of Trump administration

The first American Pope in the Catholic Church’s 2000-year history has shared some sharp commentary on Vice President J.D. Vance’s comments about migrants.

  • Michael Koziol
Cardinals at the funeral.

List: Popes of the 20th and 21st centuries

Pope Leo XIV will join a storied list of past leaders of the Holy See, with the first pope of the 20th century being elected 147 years ago.

  • Bronte Gossling
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The newly elected pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, seen for the first time after his election.

‘Evil will not prevail’: Pope Leo XIV’s first speech in full

The American pontiff spoke Italian and Spanish in his address from the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV appears at the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.

Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, becomes first American leader of the Catholic Church

It was the quickest papal election in a century, beating the conclave of 2005, when Joseph Ratzinger claimed the title in less than 36 hours.

  • Rob Harris
Conclave

Black smoke billows from Vatican on second round of voting, no pope elected

Thousands of people have been gathering in St Peter’s Square to witness the time-honoured tradition which signified that no candidate had garnered the two-thirds majority needed to become the new pope.

  • Rob Harris
Home-grown: Cardinal Matteo Zuppi is the local favourite to succeed Francis.

After four decades, Italians hope for a home-grown pope

Though the church has gone global, many Italians haven’t stopped believing the pope belongs in – and to – Rome.

  • Rob Harris

Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/topic/pope-francis-jpa