Pope Francis has been at the Gemelli Clinic in Rome for a few days, steadily battling bilateral pneumonia. The media quickly began speculating about the potential successor to the Pope from Argentina.

The Vatican said Pope Francis is still recovering from illness as he continues to undergo medical therapies. Officials said Pope Francis is in critical condition as he battles pneumonia and early kidney failure. He was awake and eating normally during his treatments. Crowds have been gathering at Vatican City to pray for his recovery.

The kidney ailment appears to be in an early stage, the Vatican said, adding that the pontiff is still receiving high flows of oxygen for his respiratory illness.