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Abbess Victoria Murray, in an image from the documentary film "Final Vows", produced & directed by Victoria Westover.

The documentary "Final Vows" looks at a way of life that is disappearing

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Retired Tucson architect Paula Holmes celebrates 100 years; and "Stories that Soar!" shares an amphibious love story.
A scene from the Oak Flat campground, a site sacred to Apache peoples and the epicenter of lawsuits trying to block the development of a large copper mine.

Federal judge pauses Oak Flat land swap until a SCOTUS decision

The ruling comes two days after arguments were heard.
Leo XIV addresses the crowd in St. Peter's Square shortly after being elected pope on May 8, 2025<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6MqpK91bEA" target="_blank">Image: Vatican Media Youtube</a>

Tucson Catholics celebrate as Pope Leo XIV becomes first American Pontiff

The Catholic community in Tucson and across the world is celebrating today as Pope Leo XIV is chosen to lead the Church, following the passing of Pope Francis.
New Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, stands for a portrait at the end of the consistory where Pope Francis elevated 21 new cardinals in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sept. 30, 2023.

Robert Prevost, first American pope in history of the Catholic Church, will take the name Leo XIV

White smoke poured from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and the great bells of St. Peter’s Basilica tolled Thursday after cardinals elected the 267th pope to lead the Catholic Church on the second day of their conclave.
White smoke billows from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel during the conclave to elect a new pope, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025.

White smoke pours out of the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling the election of a new pope

Thursday after cardinals elected the 267th pope to lead the Catholic Church, the crowd in St. Peter's Square erupted in cheers.
Black smoke rose from the chimney over the Sistine Chapel at 11:50 on Thursday morning, signalling the second ballot of the first full day of the conclave - and the third ballot overall - was inconclusive. <a href="https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-05/black-smoke-no-election-in-the-first-half-of-second-day.html" target="_blank">Image: Vatican Media</a>

No new pope elected yet after black smoke pours out of Sistine Chapel's chimney

The cardinals are scheduled to vote two more times on Thursday afternoon.
Protests against the Resolution Copper mine near Oak Flat have been going for years, as shown in this 2015 file photo from a rally at the Capitol.

Apache Stronghold asks court to temporarily halt Oak Flat land swap

Apache Stronghold seeks to halt a land swap at Oak Flat, a sacred Apache site, as the court weighs religious rights and mining plans ahead of a possible SCOTUS review.
Black smoke comes out of the Sistine Chapel on the first day of the Papal Conclave. May 7, 2025. <a href="https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2025-05/black-smoke-end-first-day-conclave-no-pope.html" target="_blank">Image: Vatican Media</a>

Black smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel as cardinals cast an unsuccessful first vote

The cardinal electors will resume voting on Thursday morning.
Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.

The conclave to choose a new pope is about to begin

Over a billion Catholics await the election of a new pope as 133 cardinals begin the secretive conclave in the Sistine Chapel.

Redefining Religion

Two bishops gave up their building to serve the homeless—no sermons, just support.
Statue of St. Paul in front of St. Peters Basilica (Vatican City). (Sculptor: Adamo Tadolini)

Conclave to choose the next pope starts May 7, Vatican says

The conclave will take place in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel, which will remain completely sealed off until the election is complete.
People stood in a line that snaked across St. Peter's Square to pay their respects to Pope Francis. His funeral could become a significant political event, with sensitive meetings on the sidelines.

Pope Francis' body lies in state ahead of Saturday funeral

For three days mourners will be able to pay their respects.
"Cathedral Rock Sunrise" taken in Sedona by Tim H. Murphy.

Journeys in space and mind.

On Arizona Spotlight: Join Pati Jinich as she explores "Panamericana"; and Tibetan Buddhist Lama Lodu Rinpoche visits Tucson to share ancient wisdom about our inner space.
Most Reverend Gerald Kicanas walks towards the entrance of St. Augustine Cathedral in downtown Tucson, Ariz., on Monday, April 21, 2025. The Apostolic Administrator and former Bishop of the Diocese of Tucson held a reposal mass for the passing of the Catholic Pope Francis who died on Easter Monday. The 266th Pope was 88 and suffered a stroke and cardiac arrest.

Southern AZ mourns passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday

Former Tucson Bishop Gerald Kicanas held a reposal mass at the St. Augustine Cathedral in downtown Tucson.
Pope Francis, the first non-European head of the Roman Catholic Church in more than a millennium, died at age 88. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, a top Vatican official, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta on Monday morning.

Leaders and faithful around the world mourn the death of Pope Francis

Pope Francis, who reached out to the margins of society, has died at 88
Bishop of the Diocese of Tucson Edward Joseph Weisenburger.

Tucson Bishop leaving for Detroit

He will become Archbishop in late March.

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