Some front-runners to be the next pope
As the cardinal electors took the oath of secrecy before the start of the papal conclave, CBS News took a look at some of the top prospective candidates to succeed the late Pope Francis.
Vatican City
Cardinal Dolan takes oath of secrecy
New York Archbishop Cardinal Timothy Dolan took an oath of secrecy along with 132 other electors inside the Sistine Chapel for the papal conclave.
Cardinal electors take oath of secrecy
The 133 cardinal electors took the oath of secrecy before starting the papal conclave inside the Sistine Chapel.
The papal conclave is set to begin. Here's how a new pope is chosen.
Pope Francis's death at the age of 88 means the Catholic Church must choose a new leader. Here's how cardinals elect the next pontiff at the conclave.
At 2025 papal conclave, some contentious issues await the new pope
Should the Catholic Church welcome gay families? Should it welcome women at the altar? As 133 cardinals prepare for the 2025 conclave, they will decide.
Cardinals inside Sistine Chapel for conclave
The cardinals arrived inside the Sistine Chapel following a procession from the Pauline Chapel. They then sang two prayers and the ancient hymn, "Veni, creator Spiritus."
Procession into Sistine Chapel
The cardinals sang the "Litany of the Saints" as they walked into the Sistine Chapel for the start of the papal conclave to elect a new pope.
Cardinal leads prayer before procession
The official start of the papal conclave began with Cardinal Pietro Parolin leading a prayer before the procession from the Pauline Chapel into the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday. Tony Dokoupil and Norah O'Donnell anchored a CBS News special report.
Cardinals hold final mass before conclave
Catholic cardinal electors from five continents began Wednesday with a final mass before the start of the conclave to elect a new pope to lead the Catholic Church. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Seth Doane has more on what to expect. Rev. Msgr. Richard B. Hilgartner, a pastor at the Archdiocese of Baltimore, also joins to discuss the conclave process.
What American Catholics want in the next pope
A new CBS News poll shows 42% of U.S. Catholics think the next pope should continue Pope Francis' teachings. "CBS Mornings" co-host Tony Dokoupil spoke with some Americans who are in Rome about what they want to see in the next leader of the Catholic Church.
Potential pope candidates as conclave begins
More than 130 cardinals will make their way into the Sistine Chapel for the start of the papal conclave to elect a new pope. James Grimaldi, the executive editor of the National Catholic Reporter, joins "CBS Mornings News" to discuss potential front-runners.
Potential pope candidates as conclave begins
The papal conclave meets to begin the process of picking Pope Francis' successor. CBS News polling shows American Catholics overwhelmingly approved of how Pope Francis led the church, but they're split on where to go next. CBS News' Seth Doane has more.
Timeline of Day 1 conclave events
Cardinals will gather at the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday for the start of the conclave to elect the late Pope Francis' successor. The cardinals took part in a final pre-conclave mass at St. Peter's Basilica to pray ahead of the secretive vote. CBS News foreign correspondent Chris Livesay has more from Rome.
What to know about the papal conclave
CBS News papal contributor Francis Rocca, who has covered the Vatican for more than 15 years, breaks down the process of electing the next pope and what the cardinals are considering as they cast their votes.
What will the papal conclave look like?
133 Catholic cardinal electors will gather in Vatican City for a conclave beginning Wednesday to choose the next pope. CBS News foreign correspondent Chris Livesay has more.
What do Catholics want in their next pope?
The conclave to elect the next pope is opening soon. A new CBS News poll indicates most U.S. Catholics would like to see another like Pope Francis. "CBS Evening News" co-anchor Maurice DuBois sampled opinions in Rome. Then, Seth Doane reports on what names are being floated.
American Catholics polled on conclave
Cardinals in Vatican City are set to pick the next pope in a conclave that starts on Wednesday. CBS News executive director of elections and surveys Anthony Salvanto has new polling on how Catholics feel about the upcoming papal elections.
Conclave set to meet to choose next pope
A conclave of 133 cardinals is set to meet on Wednesday in the Sistine Chapel. They will decide who will be the next pope to lead the world's 1.4 billion Catholics and guide on major issues in the church, such as the role of women and LGBTQ inclusion.
Cardinals mull Pope Francis' replacement as Vatican prepares for conclave
As a fireworks expert tests the Vatican's contemporary system for "holy smoke," Catholic cardinals mull their divergent priorities for Pope Francis' successor.
Vatican marks final day of mourning for Pope Francis before conclave begins
Hundreds of cardinals attended mass inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican Sunday, to mark the end of a nine-day mourning period for Pope Francis.
Inside the Vatican and the real-life drama behind "Conclave"
Since the death of Pope Francis on April 21, interest has surged in the Oscar-winning film "Conclave" and its source novel, which dramatizes the intrigue behind the election of a new pope. "Sunday Morning" talks with author Robert Harris and actor Ralph Fiennes.
Vatican prepares for conclave
Final preparations are underway to start the conclave, which will elect Pope Francis' successor. The Vatican released video of workers installing a stove where ballots will be burned during the process.
Robert Harris on why he wrote "Conclave"
More than 130 Catholic cardinals will soon sequester inside the Sistine Chapel to begin the conclave to select the next pope. Robert Harris, author of the 2016 novel "Conclave," joins to discuss.
Extended interview: "Conclave" author on choosing pope
Robert Harris, author of the 2016 novel "Conclave," spoke with "CBS Evening News" co-anchor John Dickerson about what he learned while writing a book with a plot centered on the death of a pope and the secretive process of choosing his successor.
Italian cardinal pulls out of conclave to elect new pope. Here's why
Italian Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was convicted of embezzlement and fraud in 2023, said on Tuesday he will not take part in the secret conclave to elect the new pope.
Grand jury refuses to re-indict Letitia James
Federal prosecutors on Thursday presented an indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James to a grand jury in Norfolk, Virginia.
Supreme Court allows Texas GOP to use new redistricted map for now
Texas approved a new congressional map this summer after Trump urged state GOP lawmakers to craft new House district lines to help Republicans hold onto their majority in the 2026 midterms.
Lawmakers see video of boat strike, say admiral testified there was no kill order
"What I saw in that room was one of the most troubling things I've seen in my time in public service," Democratic Rep. Jim Himes said.
FBI arrests suspect in 2021 D.C. pipe bomb case, identified as Virginia man
Authorities say the FBI has arrested a man suspected of placing pipe bombs outside RNC and DNC headquarters on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Trump thinks tariff revenue could replace income taxes. Is that possible?
President Trump suggested Americans won't have to pay personal income taxes "in the not-too-distant future" because of rising U.S. tariffs.
U.S. tightens immigration work permits in latest move to expand crackdown
The Trump administration said it would reduce the period of time that work permits are valid for refugees, asylees and other immigrants granted legal protections in the U.S.
Trump hires new architect for ballroom
The current architect, with whom President Trump has some disagreements, will remain on the White House ballroom team, sources said.
ICE begins surge in Minnesota as Trump pushes for crackdown on Somali immigrants
ICE began enhanced operations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area this week, as President Trump rails against Somali people in Minnesota.
Appeals court lets Trump admin. keep National Guard deployed in D.C. for now
A U.S. District Court decision to end the deployment of National Guard members to Washington, D.C., is now on hold.
U.S.
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Appeals court lets Trump admin. keep National Guard deployed in D.C. for now
A U.S. District Court decision to end the deployment of National Guard members to Washington, D.C., is now on hold.
4 killed in latest strike on alleged drug boat, Pentagon says
At least 87 people have been killed since the vessel strikes began in early September.
Grand jury refuses to re-indict Letitia James
Federal prosecutors on Thursday presented an indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James to a grand jury in Norfolk, Virginia.
Supreme Court allows Texas GOP to use new redistricted map for now
Texas approved a new congressional map this summer after Trump urged state GOP lawmakers to craft new House district lines to help Republicans hold onto their majority in the 2026 midterms.
This week on "Sunday Morning" (Dec. 7)
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the Emmy-winning program, hosted by Jane Pauley.
MoneyWatch
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These U.S. cities have seen the biggest rent increases since 2020
Rents in the 50 largest cities have surged by hundreds of dollars per month over the last five years, a LendingTree analysis found.
Employers have cut 1.1 million jobs this year. Here's why.
Job cuts so far this year are at their highest levels since 2020, new report says.
Trump thinks tariff revenue could replace income taxes. Is that possible?
President Trump suggested Americans won't have to pay personal income taxes "in the not-too-distant future" because of rising U.S. tariffs.
Trump moves to roll back fuel economy standards set under Biden
The Trump administration proposed rules that would weaken fuel economy standards for vehicles set under President Biden in 2024.
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
Politics
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Jasmine Crockett called Texas Senate race contenders as she weighs jumping into fray
As intrigue grows over whether Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett plans to announce a U.S. Senate campaign next week, she confirmed to CBS News she's spoken with would-be opponents.
Appeals court lets Trump admin. keep National Guard deployed in D.C. for now
A U.S. District Court decision to end the deployment of National Guard members to Washington, D.C., is now on hold.
Operations against Houthis played into Truman Strike Group accidents, Navy finds
Investigations released by the Navy into accidents involving the Truman Carrier Strike Group recommended ensuring processes are followed even when faced with adversity.
4 killed in latest strike on alleged drug boat, Pentagon says
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ICE begins surge in Minnesota as Trump pushes for crackdown on Somali immigrants
ICE began enhanced operations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area this week, as President Trump rails against Somali people in Minnesota.
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Could pets be next for weight loss drugs? Here's what to know about a study.
A clinical study into weight loss drugs for pets just launched, with results from the trial expected by next summer.
CDC panel postpones vote on hepatitis B vaccine for newborns
The CDC's vaccine advisory panel meets Thursday and Friday to discuss recommendations for the hepatitis B vaccine and the schedule of childhood shots.
12 ex-FDA leaders criticize claims made by agency's current vaccine chief
The former officials said the FDA's plans to revamp how certain life-saving vaccines are handled would "disadvantage the people the FDA exists to protect, including millions of Americans at high risk from serious infections."
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
How to avoid holiday stress
The holiday season can be a wonderful, but also stressful time – filled with unrealistic expectations. A recent poll found 41% of adults anticipate more holiday stress this year. Psychiatrist Dr. Sue Varma has tips to unwind during the holidays.
World
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Operations against Houthis played into Truman Strike Group accidents, Navy finds
Investigations released by the Navy into accidents involving the Truman Carrier Strike Group recommended ensuring processes are followed even when faced with adversity.
4 killed in latest strike on alleged drug boat, Pentagon says
At least 87 people have been killed since the vessel strikes began in early September.
U.K. and Norway sign pact to "hunt Russian submarines" in North Atlantic
The United Kingdom and Norway have signed a pact to create a naval alliance in the North Atlantic, aimed at protecting undersea cables and hunting Russian submarines.
Inside a Ukrainian drone pilot training facility
The facility teaches both civilians and military personnel the skills to fly drones and hit targets.
Lawmakers see video of boat strike, say admiral testified there was no kill order
"What I saw in that room was one of the most troubling things I've seen in my time in public service," Democratic Rep. Jim Himes said.
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Lucy Liu talks new movie, "Rosemead"
Lucy Liu talks about starring in and producing the movie "Rosemead," why she says the story resonates universally and reflecting on personal experiences for the film.
Steve Cropper, acclaimed guitarist for Booker T. and the M.G.'s, dies at 84
Steve Cropper co-wrote several classics, including "(Sittin' on) the Dock of the Bay," "Green Onions" and "In the Midnight Hour."
Kaytranada on rise to fame and his new album
Grammy winning DJ and producer Kaytranada has become one of the most influential voices in dance and electronic music, and has collaborated with top artists. He spoke with "CBS Mornings" about his latest album, touring and his journey in music.
Richie Moriarty talks 5th season of "Ghosts"
Actor and comedian Richie Moriarty talks with "CBS Mornings" about the fifth season of the comedy series "Ghosts," what's next for his character and how the cast has bonded.
At home with Architectural Digest
For more than a century, the pages of Architectural Digest magazine have captured not only timeless designs but also the spirit of their subjects' homes. Their distillation of private spaces is featured in a new book, "AD at Home: Architectural Digest." Serena Altschul talks with editor Amy Astley about the magazine's treatments; and with actor Liev Schreiber and designer Marc Jacobs about what it means to open up one's living space to the magazine's photographers.
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Politico: Trump admin. looks to robotics
Leaders in the robotics industry say that to strengthen AI, companies also need a plan for robots. The White House appears to be listening. Yasmin Khorram, economic policy reporter for Politico, joins CBS News to discuss her article on the topic.
Google's top search trends in 2025
Google has released its list of the 2025 top search trends. Robert Ferrera, a Google Trends expert, joins CBS News with more.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
India revokes order for phone makers to install security app amid uproar
India's government, amid an uproar over privacy, has revoked an order quietly issued to smartphone makers to pre-install a state-run security app.
OpenAI responding to Google's moves: WSJ
OpenAI has declared a "code red" as Google threatens to unseat the AI industry's early leader, according to the Wall Street Journal. Technology journalist Jacob Ward joins CBS News to discuss.
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"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
Sick ants invite self-sacrifice to save colony: "Come and kill me"
Ant colonies act as one "super-organism" which works to ensure the survival of all, according to a team of scientists.
Mystery owner of ancient foot found in Africa identified, scientists say
The discovery could cast some doubt on the status of Lucy's species as the direct ancestor of Homo sapiens.
Most dogs have wolf DNA. These breeds have more than others.
Wolf DNA seems to have influenced the size, smelling power and even personality of modern dog breeds, scientists said.
Crime
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Crime
Listen to 911 call from Luigi Mangione arrest
Newly unsealed evidence sheds light on Luigi Mangione's arrest at a Pennsylvania McDonald's. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has the details.
New details in Mangione pretrial hearing
Luigi Mangione's pretrial hearing continued on Thursday, one year after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
Suspect arrested in D.C. pipe bomb case
A suspect is in custody nearly five years after two pipe bombs were planted in Washington, D.C., the night before the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Attorney General Pam Bondi said 30-year-old Brian Cole Jr. was arrested in Virginia on Thursday morning. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
What we know about 2021 D.C. pipe bomb suspect
Federal authorities on Thursday arrested a suspect in the case of two pipe bombs placed outside the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters the night before the Jan. 6th Capitol riot. CBS News senior White House reporter Jennifer Jacobs has the details.
Day 3 of Luigi Mangione pretrial hearing
Luigi Mangione's pretrial hearing continued Thursday in New York. CBS News' Anna Schecter has the details.
Space
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"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
Air Force approves SpaceX launch pad expansion
The U.S. Air Force has approved SpaceX's plan to redevelop a historic launch pad at Cape Canaveral. CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann reports.
Geomagnetic storm watch issued after powerful solar flare
Solar flares and other activity can disrupt radio communications, power grids and navigation signals, according to NASA.
Scientists think they've detected lightning on Mars: "Missing piece of the puzzle"
Researchers have documented 55 instances of "mini lightning" over two Martian years by eavesdropping on the whirling wind recorded by NASA's Perseverance rover.
Russia sends a NASA astronaut, 2 cosmonauts, up to the space station
The new space station crew includes American Chris Williams, who holds a Ph.D. in astronomy and is a board-certified medical physicist at Harvard Medical School.
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Notable Deaths in 2025
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Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Luigi Mangione arrest video played in court
On the one-year mark of the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a New York City sidewalk, a hearing was held to determine what evidence is admissible in the trial of his accused killer, Luigi Mangione. Alice Gainer reports.
FBI arrests suspect in 2021 D.C. pipe bomb case
A northern Virginia man was arrested and accused of placing two pipe bombs outside the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee headquarters on the eve of the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. Scott MacFarlane has details.
Arctic blast grips U.S. as temperatures plummet
An early season Arctic blast sent shivers through the Midwest and Northeast as temperatures tumbled far below normal. Lana Zak reports and Lonnie Quinn has the forecast.
$1.6 million raised for elderly man still working
For most of his life, Ed Bambas worked toward his American dream. But in 2019, at 82, he found himself doing what most retirees never imagine: going back to work. That was, until a stranger approached him with a question. Tom Hanson has the story.
White House Christmases of past, present
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump lit the national Christmas tree on Thursday. Melania's White House Christmas theme this year is "Home Is Where the Heart Is." White House expert Jennifer Pickens joins CBS News to discuss.