When Greg Thompson became bishop of Newcastle, he refused to turn a blind eye to the decades-long child sex abuse scandals in the diocese. For him, it was personal. He was himself a sexual abuse survivor. But speaking out came at huge cost.
'He's one of us': Catholics around the world are watching the conclave
In its 800-year history, a conclave has never been this diverse. How will this changing face of Catholicism impact the result of the papal vote?
'Enter as pope, come out as cardinal': The race for Catholicism's top job
A fictional scenario from a film raises a real question: Could the new pope come from a country where Catholics are not the majority?
MAGA's 'vicious fight' for the 'soul of the Catholic church'
The conclave will be a "fight for the soul of the Catholic Church" between those who saw promise in the modernising changes Pope Francis made and those "who hated him for it".
Conclave to pick new pope to start next week, Vatican confirms
Cardinals will meet in a secret conclave to elect the new leader of the Catholic Church starting from May 7, the Vatican has confirmed.
Could this 'underdog' Filipino cardinal be a surprise contender for pope?
There's increasing hope among Catholics in the Philippines that one of their own, Cardinal Luis Tagle, who is considered a contender to succeed Pope Francis, and has a reputation for being a relatively open minded voice in the church might become Asia's first Pope.
Thousands of people flock to see Pope Francis's tomb ahead of conclave
More than 150,000 people lined the streets of Rome to visit Pope Francis's tomb and say farewell.
What time is the pope's funeral? How to watch it in Australia and other key details
One of the pontiff's last acts was to simplify papal rites, stripping away elaborate rituals and scaling back ceremonial pomp.
Topic:Explainer
Pope Francis was once given a box full of 'abuse, corruption, dark dealings'
Just 10 days after Pope Francis was appointed head of the Catholic Church, he received an ominous gift from his predecessor — a large white box.
One of Australia's most Catholic communities pays tribute to Pope Francis
As news of the pope’s death reverberates around the world, the Ltyentye Apurte Catholic community in Central Australia, known also as Santa Teresa, is carrying on his legacy in their own way.
Women still locked out of church leadership, despite huge impact on their lives
Pope Francis's passing reminds us yet again of the complete absence of women in the upper echelons of the church. This is despite the fact that he did more to elevate women than any other pope.
The swift rise of Australia's cardinal to youngest man electing the new pope
Mykola Bychok is the youngest cardinal in the Catholic Church and the only one with a link to Australia. He will join the conclave to elect a new pope.
Why Xi Jinping remains silent on Pope Francis's death
As leaders from around the world pay tribute to the late Pope Francis, China's President Xi Jinping has not offered his condolences.
Some Catholics anxious about church without Pope Francis holding the reins
The former leader of the Catholic Church's Truth, Justice and Healing Council says Pope Francis's leadership centred on inclusion and diversity, not judgement — and that progressive approach created some enemies among Australia's clerical elite.
The percentage of Catholics in Australia is headed for an all-time low
After the death of Pope Francis, Catholics around the world are reckoning with the future of the church. Australia's congregation has been shifting and changing with the times.
Pope's funeral date confirmed with Prince William and Trump to attend
World leaders are expected to attend the Pope's funeral, which the Vatican has confirmed will take place on Saturday.
Trump says he will attend pope's funeral as large crowds flock to Vatican
Crowds have converged on St Peter's Square in the hours since Pope Francis's death, the Vatican has announced his body could be lying in state as early as Wednesday, and US President Donald Trump has said he plans to attend the pontiff's funeral.
In Timor-Leste, almost everyone is Catholic. Today they mourn their 'king'
Catholics across the world are pausing to remember the life of Pope Francis. And the pontiff's death is being keenly felt in the Asia-Pacific region, where he leaves a significant legacy.
First images of Pope Francis in an open casket released as cardinals meet — as it happened
The 88-year-old pope died on Monday, a day after greeting crowds of worshippers at the Vatican on Easter Sunday. Look back on how it happened.
What goes on inside the conclave to elect the next pope?
Electing a new pope is a centuries-old process that involves the Catholic Church's most senior officials from around the world, and two different colours of smoke.
Topic:Explainer
Head of the Catholic church, 88, died from heart failure on Easter Monday – as it happened
The Vatican confirms the death of Pope Francis, who sat at the head of a church encompassing more than 1 billion worshippers worldwide. Follow Monday's events as they happened.