The Vatican is the world's smallest country, ruled by the Pope, with its own laws, bank, and army. Formed in 1929, it holds ...

The age of consent in Vatican City has only increased in recent years, after a law change in 2013 left people gobsmacked.

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or ...

The American Robert Prevost has been announced as Pope Leo XIV in front of a crowd of tens of thousands in St Peter’s Square.

Vatican City witnessed a historic moment on May 8, 2025, as white smoke emerged from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, ...

Follow live coverage as Catholic cardinals elect the next Pope in the highly secretive conclave to lead the Vatican following ...

If you've seen Conclave, Edward Berger's excellent political thriller, you'll have some idea of what goes on behind the ...

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV lived in St. Louis, Missouri, in the 1970s while studying to become a priest. He was in a parish ...

Even former President Barack Obama congratulated the new pope as a “fellow Chicagoan.” He wrote: “This is a historic day for ...

Leo XIV urged the Catholic Church to counter a lack of faith in his first homily as pope, a day after becoming the first US ...