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.

Nostradamus made a chilling prediction regarding Pope Francis, who is struggling with kidney failure, hundreds of years ago as catholics worldwide pray for his life

The Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis is currently hospitalized due to double pneumonia also known as bilateral pneumonia that affects the lungs. According to the Vatican, Pope was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic for diagnostic tests and treatment for bronchitis.

The Vatican released an Angelus statement from Pope Francis on Sunday, in which the pope remarked on the upcoming third anniversary of the war in Ukraine and thanke

Vatican says Pope Francis remains in critical condition and blood tests show early kidney failure but he remains alert and “well-oriented.”

“Pope Francis is touched by the numerous messages of affection and closeness that he continues to receive in these hours,” the Vatican statement said. The pope expressed particular gratitude for the well wishes he received from his fellow patients in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and asked for continued prayers.

Pope Francis sent a message from his hospital bed as the Vatican said in a health update Sunday that he remains in "critical" condition but "has not presented any further respiratory crises." The big picture: The Vatican said in its Sunday statement that the 88-year-old Catholic church leader is being treated for a kidney problem in addition to his respiratory issues,

Pope Francis's ninth night in hospital was peaceful, the Vatican said Sunday, the day after revealing the 88-year-old was in a "critical" condition.