pope, Catholic Church and Francis

What happens to the leadership of the Catholic Church when a pope becomes sick or incapacitated?
The Vatican has detailed laws and rituals to ensure the transfer of power when a pope dies or resigns, but not when he is sick.
Who is Pope Francis? Catholic pontiff is hospitalized with pneumonia
Pope Francis, head of the Roman Catholic Church, has held his title for 12 years. What to know about the Jesuit.
Pope Francis still critical but shows 'slight improvement', Vatican says
VATICAN CITY -Pope Francis is still critically ill as he battles double pneumonia, but his condition has shown a "slight improvement", the Vatican said on Monday. The 88-year-old pontiff is spending his 11th night in Rome's Gemelli Hospital,
The 8 Longest Serving Popes in Catholic Church History
Discover the longest serving popes in history, whose enduring legacy continues to shape the Church long after their tenure has ended.
Vatican reports Pope Francis, still in critical condition with pneumonia and renal failure, had a good night
Pope Francis, in hospital in a critical condition with pneumonia in both lungs, passed a good night and was resting, the Vatican said today.
Pope Francis shows slight improvement in lab tests, Vatican says
Pope Francis showed slight improvement in laboratory tests Monday and resumed some work activities, including calling a parish in Gaza City that he has kept in touch with since the war there began, the Vatican said.
Vatican reports ‘slight improvement’ but Pope’s condition remains critical
The Vatican reported a “slight improvement” in the Pope’s condition on Monday evening, though it continued to describe his situation as “critical”.
Pope Francis shows slight improvement, resumes some work, Vatican says
The slight kidney insufficiency detected on Sunday was not causing current alarm, doctors said, but they were guarded on his prognosis.
Francis Is in Critical Condition. What Happens When a Pope Dies?
Time-honored rituals, drafted and refined over centuries, allow for ritual mourning and provide order at a dramatic moment of transition.
What happens when Pope Francis passes away? A step-by-step guide on Vatican’s Papal transition process
Pope Francis, 88, is in critical condition due to pneumonia. If he passes away, the Vatican will follow a structured process—confirming his death, breaking the papal seal, holding a nine-day mourning period,
What Happens When a Pope Dies? Vatican Traditions Explained
The death of a pope triggers a series of ancient traditions, some dating back to the Roman Empire. Here’s what would unfold if Pope Francis were to pass away.
America Magazine8h
Vatican to host rosary Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square as prayers pour in from around the world
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, will lead a public recitation of the rosary at 9 p.m. Feb. 24 in St.
The Mirror US on MSN8d
Pope Francis appoints an Italian nun as the first woman governor of Vatican City
Sister Raffaella Petrini, an Italian nun, was named president of the Vatican City State, the 44-hectare (108-acre) territory ...
Headstrong Francis Put the Church Above His Health, Vatican Observers Say
Many who know him said that Francis, driven by a sense of mission and a discipline born of his early training, essentially ...
Pope Francis shows slight improvement and resumes some work, while still critical, Vatican says
ROME — Pope Francis woke up and was continuing his therapies Monday after a quiet night, on the 10th day of his ...
Oklahoma City Catholic community asking for prayers for Pope Francis amid health crisis
According to the Vatican, Pope Francis is in critical condition after experiencing a respiratory crisis and needing high-flow ...
Pope Francis attends Mass hours after 'respiratory crisis,' remains critical
For the latest news, view our story for Monday, Feb. 24. Pope Francis remained in critical condition but attended Mass in the hospital Sunday and has not experienced a recurrence of the ...