In 1958, the papal election took a bizarre turn when white smoke was followed by black smoke—an unprecedented event in ...

When Luciani died only 33 days later, the next pope, Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, chose John Paul II (1978-2005), honouring all three most recent popes. The new pope could also choose a double name.

Ever since Pope John XXIII was elected in 1958, the successors of St. Peter have established a pattern: pope as disruptor, followed by pope as caretaker. Will Leo continue the pattern?

The most common papal name is John, followed by Gregory and Benedict. Although there has been a Pope John XXIII, there have only been 21 legitimate popes named John.

The most common papal name is John, followed by Gregory and Benedict. Although there has been a Pope John XXIII, there have only been 21 legitimate popes named John.

The most common papal name is John, followed by Gregory and Benedict. Although there has been a Pope John XXIII, there have only been 21 legitimate popes named John.

The most common papal name is John, followed by Gregory and Benedict. Although there has been a Pope John XXIII, there have only been 21 legitimate popes named John.

The most common papal name is John, followed by Gregory and Benedict. Although there has been a Pope John XXIII, there have only been 21 legitimate popes named John.

The most common papal name is John, followed by Gregory and Benedict. Although there has been a Pope John XXIII, there have only been 21 legitimate popes named John.

The most common papal name is John, followed by Gregory and Benedict. Although there has been a Pope John XXIII, there have only been 21 legitimate popes named John.

The most common papal name is John, followed by Gregory and Benedict. Although there has been a Pope John XXIII, there have only been 21 legitimate popes named John.

The most common papal name is John, followed by Gregory and Benedict. Although there has been a Pope John XXIII, there have only been 21 legitimate popes named John.