The papacy, an institution stretching back nearly two millennia, represents one of history's longest unbroken lines of leadership. From its earliest days, guiding the faithful through empires and eras ...

ROME — The first clue of the next pope’s direction will be the name the winner chooses. The announcement “Habemus Papam” — “We have a pope” — from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica is followed first ...