While the Vatican has detailed laws and rituals to ensure the transfer of power when a pope dies or resigns, they do not apply if he is sick or even unconscious.

The pontiff "continues to be alert and well oriented" and has not had any further respiratory crises, the Vatican said.

JD Vance was mocked Thursday for offering “cringe” advice to young men he says mainstream U.S. culture now opposes: Crack a beer, tell jokes, and embrace your masculinity. The

The Vatican reported another slight improvement in Pope Francis's condition on Thursday, as the 88-year-old spent his seventh day in hospital being treated for double pneumonia.

Prayers are pouring in from parishioners all across San Diego after Pope Francis was listed in critical condition.

Pope Francis's condition "remains critical", the Vatican said Sunday on his 10th day in hospital as Catholics around the world prayed for the 88-year-old's recovery.

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Faithful gathered at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican and outside Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Monday (February 24) as Pope Francis remains critically ill but alert, according to the Vatican. Could these jumping mice change how astronauts exercise?

Canon law currently lacks provisions addressing what happens if a pope becomes permanently incapacitated. While bishops have procedures in place for stepping aside due to illness, no equivalent guidelines exist for the papacy.

The pope looms so large in everyday Italian life that there are lots of expressions that make light of even a dark event like his death.