Religion

The president of Villanova University shared that he had asked the new pope, a '77 Villanova grad, if he'd come back to speak at commencement.

Students were surprised an American — especially a Villanova grad — was chosen as the next pope. Some hope he’ll be their next commencement speaker.

Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.

The Catholic church had been opposing the investigation into abuse for years, but will now allow it to move forward.

The court is considering the state AG's appeal of lower court rulings siding with the diocese, finding the state can't seat a grand jury to examine church officials' behavior.

A single white rose was placed on the tomb that said “Franciscus" — the pope's name in Latin.

Though presidents and princes attended the Mass in St. Peter’s Square on Saturday, prisoners and migrants welcomed Francis’ coffin at his final resting place in a basilica.

“When people look at this mural right now, they see family, they see union, they see compassion,” mural designer Cesar Viveros said.

In 2015, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania acquired as many souvenirs as it could find of Pope Francis’ historic visit, to save in perpetuity.

A look at the legacy of Pope Francis, who died Monday at the age of 88. We talk with people in the local Catholic community and weigh in on the future of the Church.

Many of the attendees at Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul had fond memories of Francis’ visit to the city in 2015.

Archbishop Nelson Pérez reflects on Pope Francis’ impact, his humility and the deep connection he shared with Philadelphia following news of the pontiff’s passing at age 88.

The pontiff died Monday at age 88. Here’s a look back at his historic Philly visit as part of the World Meeting of Families.

The election of a new pope itself is shrouded in secrecy, with cardinals forbidden from communicating with the outside world what happened during the voting in the conclave.

Francis' death sets off a weekslong process of allowing the faithful to pay their final respects, followed by a funeral and a conclave to elect a new pope.