Today's story: When a pope dies or resigns, the College of Cardinals, made up of senior advisors, convenes at the Vatican to elect a successor. Cardinals under age 80 enter a secret Conclave inside the Sistine Chapel, where they vote in silence and prayer until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority. White smoke signals the world that a new pope has been chosen. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/772 Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/772 -- Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English. You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English. How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English. The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English. -- Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email Mentioned in this episode: The Expressions are back! Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

Great news -- the expressions are back! "Essential English Expressions" is a brand-new podcast from Plain English. All 14 episodes from Season 1 are available now for you to stream. Click this link to subscribe on your favorite player: https://essential-english.captivate.fm/listen In the meantime, enjoy this sample episode! -- Learn the English expression, "Expression: Look forward to" Are you happy or excited about something in the future? If so, you're "looking forward to" it You can look forward to an event, an activity, or even a time of year. If you have plans to see a movie this weekend, you can say, "I'm looking forward to seeing the movie." That means you're happy about it. If it's just been a long, cold winter, you might even say, "I'm looking forward to the warm weather." That means, you'll be happy when the weather gets warmer. What about if something will happen and you're not happy about it? Just say you're not looking forward to it. "I'm not looking forward to this party." That means, the party is coming...but you don't want to go. So remember: "look forward to" is all about the way you feel about something that's coming in the future. -- Like this episode? Sign up to our free e-mail course on English expressions: https://plainenglish.com/essential-expressions-course