Workers and clerics assisting the dozens of Catholic cardinals set to gather Wednesday to begin voting on the next pope had to swear to never reveal anything about the proceedings or else risk the Church’s gravest punishment: religious banishment. The employees took their oaths in the Papal Chapel.

Cleaners and cooks. Doctors and nurses. Even drivers and elevator operators. All the support staff for the cardinals who will elect the successor to Pope Francis are taking an oath of secrecy on Monday ahead of the conclave that's starting on Wednesday.

Cooks and cleaners as well as maintenance and medical staff joined members of the Vatican's clergy on Monday (May 5) to take an oath of secrecy ahead of the upcoming papal conclave. Could cells grow food for astronauts on long missions in space?

The nine-day mourning period following the death of Pope Francis officially ended on Sunday with a ceremonial Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. The Vatican began its traditional “novemdiales” on April 26,

Bergoglio was also the first Pope from Latin America, and the first Jesuit. He chose not to live in the Papal residence in the Vatican, opting for a guest house instead. He spoke