Pope Francis remains hospitalized with a severe lung infection, but while clear procedures exist for the resignation or death of a pope, no specific laws define how leadership is handled if the leader of the Catholic Church is unconscious or unable to govern.
The pontiff's condition is touch-and-go, given his age, fragility and pre-existing lung disease, according to doctors.
Renewed interest in Vatican tradition on back of Conclave winning at the Baftas and updates on Pope Francis’ health
UK court backs Vatican
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UK court backs Vatican in refusing to say London financier acted in 'good faith' in property deal
Vatican ‘let down’ by financier in London property deal, High Court says
Judge rejects dishonesty allegations but finds Raffaele Mincione’s representation of London building’s value was ‘not frank’
Vatican 'utterly let down' by Italian financier over London property investment, UK court rules
The Vatican was "utterly let down" by an Italian financier over the Catholic Church's botched investment in a high-end London property, a judge ruled on Friday following a trial at which a senior aide to Pope Francis gave evidence.
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.
Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital for ... Chantal Da Silva reports on world news for NBC News Digital and is based in London.
With the Pope being diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection and pneumonia, we look at the conditions and what they mean for his health
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