Vatican

The Vatican is the world's smallest country, ruled by the Pope, with its own laws, bank, and army. Formed in 1929, it holds billions in assets and global influence far beyond its tiny size.

Cardinal Robert Prevost, a Chicago-born missionary and member of the Augustinian order, is elected Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first Augustinian pontiff and signalling a new chapter for the Catholic Church.

Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost is elected Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American and North American pontiff in Catholic Church history.

Cardinal Philippe Ouédraogo is facing exclusion from the conclave vote, as a lack of record-keeping has resulted in the Cardinal not knowing whether he is 79 or 80, the cap for all candidates.

Following Pope Francis's death, interest in papal-themed films like Conclave, The Two Popes and The Young Pope has surged as audiences reflect on the future of the Catholic Church.

The Vatican has reported a second miracle that can soon make Blessed Carlo Acutis, a Saint.

Pope Francis apologised for slapping the hand of a woman who grabbed him on New Year's Eve.

The Vatican has created a smart wearable device for praying.

Former Irish president Mary McAleese has strongly criticized the Catholic Church over a lack of gender inclusion and LGBT rights.

A Vatican gendarme intercepted her and she was detained. Femen's website identified her as Alisa Vinogradova and called her a "sextremist".

Australian commission publishes report that finds "catastrophic failures" by Catholic Church to address child sex abuse allegations and calls on Vatican to overhaul celibacy rule.

The head of the Catholic church suggested that part of the Lord's Prayer was "not a good translation" and suggested it be changed.

Islamic terror group Isis has unveiled a poster urging jihadists to attack the Vatican in the run up to Christmas.

Isis has threatened 'Christmas blood' in a newly released poster depicting a masked jihadi driving a BMW full of explosives towards the Vatican.

Italian journalist Gianluigi Nuzzi's book Original Sin claims priests sexually abused teenage boys at a St. Pius X pre-seminary for middle- and high-schoolers in the Vatican.

Vatican spokesperson confirms cigarettes will no longer be sold at shop in city-state from 2018 because of their health hazards.

Italian priest Maurizio Pallu has been kidnapped by gunmen during a robbery in Nigeria's southern Benin City.

Libero Milone claims he was forcibly removed after discovering 'irregularities' in city state.

New videos threaten terrorist carnage in Italy.

The Vatican will decide the fate of the priest.

The priest, Arnel Lagarejos, has been accused of sexually abusing a girl, aged 13, multiple times.

Move in line with Pope Francis teaching against 'habit of wasting and throwing away' says Vatican official.

"To become the best of yourself, you must focus on your own potential and not on your own limits"

The magistrates allegedly siphoned off nearly £400,000 from hospital to fund the renovation.

Close confidantes of the pope criticised 'evangelical fundamentalists' for a twisted reading of the Bible.

A spokeswoman for Pell said after his arrival in Australia that his return to the country should come as no surprise.

It could pave way for terminally ill baby to get treatment.

Cardinal Pell is the highest-ranked Vatican official to be charged for historical sex offences.

Pell is the highest-ranked Vatican official to be charged for sex offences.

Pizza or Potica? Pope Francis asks Melania what she gives the Donald to eat.