The late pontiff warned against capitalism's worship of money as a false idol, likening it to a golden calf that reduces life to mere consumption. Money must serve, not rule, he said.

The election of Robert Prevost, the Catholic Church's first American pope, certainly appeared a popular choice with the tens of thousands of people chanting "Viva il Papa"

The head of the Catholic Church, who earned the moniker "woke pope" for his more liberal stances, has passed away at the age of 88. He used his last mass on Easter to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

TheHoly Seeandthe United Statesonce had a close partnership. UnderU.S.PresidentRonald Reagan, for instance, the CIA provided regular briefings toPope John Paul II, asthe Vaticancoordinated…