On March 19, the Catholic Church celebrates Pope Francis’ election to the papacy with a special Mass of Inauguration. Published below is a message from the Most Reverend Richard Smith, Archbishop of Edmonton and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. For broadcast times and more information about this historical Mass, visit our dedicated Habemus ...read more

On Saturday, March 16, Pope Francis gathered thousands of journalists and media agencies from nearly 82 countries inside the Paul VI Audience Hall. In his address, the Holy Father spoke of how the role of mass media continues to grow and how it is indispensable for telling the stories of contemporary society. Published below is ...read more

Here’s a reflection I wrote on August 26, 2008 on the catechesis given by Cardinal Mario Bergoglio (now, Pope Francis) at the 2008 International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec City. Seems incredible that he is now the Pope! To read Cardinal Bergoglio’s Catechesis text, visit the Vatican website. This may come out sounding a bit complicated, ...read more

I never get tired of viewing images of Pope John Paul travelling the world bringing the Good News to all. It inspires me to do the same. In this photo, Kenyans greet Pope John Paul II with music in Nairobi in September 1995. It was a busy year of travel for Pope John Paul — ...read more

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, now Pope Francis, a member of the Society of Jesus, was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936. Serving as Archbishop of Buenos Aires before the papal election, Pope Francis I was ordained a Jesuit priest on December 13, 1969. He completed his studies in theology at the Faculty ...read more

The conclave has chosen to elect 76 year old Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio. He has chosen the name Pope Francis. Watch coverage live at http://saltandlighttv.org/live ...read more

Habemus Papam! At approximately 7:13pm (Rome time) on Wednesday March 13, 2013, the world has witnessed white smoke! Follow everything live at saltandlighttv.org/habemuspapam ...read more

If you joined us earlier this morning, you saw a spectacular liturgy from inside St. Peter’s Basilica. During this Mass, called the Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice Mass, the cardinals prayed for the election of a new Supreme Pontiff. Salt + Light will continue its in-depth analysis and reporting throughout the coming days. We will be ...read more

Earlier this morning at the Vatican, the College of Cardinals gathered inside St. Peter’s Basilica for a Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice Mass. This Mass was the final step before the opening of today’s conclave. Published below is an official translation of the homily, as delivered by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, main celebrant and Dean of the ...read more

Here are a few fun facts about Conclaves in modern history, courtesy of Vatican Radio. The information is provided by Dr. Donald Prudlo, Associate Professor of History at Jacksonville State University, Alabama. 1740 election of Benedict XIV (d. 1758) 51 electors, 4 died during conclave 18 Feb – 17 August (181 days) LONGEST IN MODERN ...read more