Ailbhe Conneely

Social Affairs & Religion Correspondent

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The Sistine Chapel prepared ahead of the start of the conclave yesterday

Day two of conclave pivotal as serious voting begins

Analysis and Comment • 08 May 25

A seagull, perched on the roof the Sistine Chapel, provided some relief for eager crowds

Seagulls provide levity during conclave at Sistine Chapel

Seagulls have found themselves in starring roles since the live streaming of the Sistine Chapel chimney began at the 2005 conclave, writes Ailbhe Conneely.

Analysis and Comment • 08 May 25

There will be a procession to the Sistine Chapel where cardinal electors will take an oath to faithfully fulfill the role as pope if chosen

Cardinal electors face monumental task at conclave

There is a monumental task facing cardinal electors in the coming days choosing the next spiritual leader of the 1.4 billion Catholic faithful worldwide.

Analysis and Comment • 07 May 25

The legacy of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church is among the challenges facing the next Pope

Abuse, reform and finances among issues facing next Pope

As cardinals filed into the Sistine Chapel this week, those who believed they may be in with a shot of becoming the 267th pope, will have considered their priorities as leader.

Analysis and Comment • 08 May 25

The report says abuse often happens out of sight and is rarely talked about (Stock image)

Action needed on silence around child sex abuse - report

Societal silence around child sexual abuse needs to be addressed, according to the support charity One in Four.

Ireland • 01 May 25

Brendan Comiskey resigned as Bishop of Ferns in 2002

Brendan Comiskey, who resigned over Ferns Report, dies

Former Bishop of Ferns Brendan Comiskey, who resigned in April 2002 over failing to address allegations of clerical sexual abuse in the diocese, has died aged 89.

Ireland • 28 Apr 25

St Peter's statue and cardinals during the funeral ceremony of Pope Francis at St Peter's Square in the Vatican on Saturday

World waits for conclave date after Francis laid to rest

It was inevitable that the death of Pope Francis would lead to rumination about a successor. Now that that he has been laid to rest, speculation has intensified as the world waits for a start date to the conclave.

Analysis and Comment • 28 Apr 25

Empty streets in Rome overnight ahead of the pope's funeral

Eerie silence fell over Rome as casket sealed

There was an eerie silence over St Peter's Basilica as night fell in Rome last night.

Analysis and Comment • 26 Apr 25

Queuing times to pay respects to the Pope reached three hours by yesterday afternoon

Taking it all in during queue to pay respects to Pope

As pilgrims arrived for a second day to visit St Peter's Basilica, ominous clouds rolled in on numerous occasions throughout the day over Vatican City.

Pope Francis • 25 Apr 25

Meetings are being held to discuss logistical matters ahead of the conclave, which is not expected to begin until at least 6 May

Preparations for funeral and conclave under way in Rome

As pilgrims continue to arrive in Vatican City preparations for the funeral of Pope Francis, and subsequent conclave, are under way.

Analysis and Comment • 24 Apr 25