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Pilgrims honour the bones of St Francis during the first public display inside the St Francis Basilica.

‘Gives me goosebumps’: Thousands flock to Assisi as St Francis’ bones go on display

The display caps an 800-year saga over his bodily remains and confirms the enduring appeal to Christians of venerating a saint’s relics.

  • Nicole Winfield and Gregorio Borgia

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Israeli shell hits Gaza church that late pope called every day

Three people were killed and 10 were wounded, including the parish priest who regularly spoke to Pope Francis. Israel expressed regret over what it described as an accident.

  • Wafaa Shurafa and Melanie Lidman
The Chicago White Sox honour Pope Leo XIV on the scoreboard before a baseball game.

The unassuming parish where a future pope was once an altar boy

Sport is religion in Chicago. The biggest question locals had here once Cardinal Robert Prevost became the new pope was which baseball team he supported.

  • Michael Koziol
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
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: 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
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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
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.