Problems with St. Malachy legend arise quickly. The text in question is a list of 112 phrases said to be associated with popes, beginning with Celestine II, who was named pope in 1143, Weiss said.

The funeral mass for Pope Francis has officially begun at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, with the Sacred Book of Gospels placed on his coffin in a moving tribute. World leaders ...

The Vatican says leaked documents that seemingly undermined Pope Francis’ stated reason for restricting the old Latin Mass ...

Pope Francis’s election was unique, because the pope that preceded him resigned from the papacy, which is rare. Pope Benedict XVI was pope for eight years, from 2005 through 2013.

While it is very unlikely the decision on Pope Francis’ successor will take quite as long or be quite as contentious, Vatican watchers agree that the winner is not a foregone conclusion.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Gerald Posner is the author of 13 books, including God's Bankers. Pope Francis’ sweeping reforms cleaned up some of the mess ...