The Vatican has detailed laws and rituals to ensure the transfer of power when a pope dies or resigns, but not when he is ...

The pope is the successor of the Apostle Peter, the head of the college of bishops, the Vicar of Christ and the pastor of the ...

Pope Francis has come down with a serious illness that could potentially force him to resign, but who would succeed him?

The Vatican says Pope Francis has continued making decisions and is improving, but his two-week hospital stay poses ...

Eleven days after the pope was hospitalized, speculation is mounting and prayers for his recovery verge on a vigil.

Thousands gathered to pray for an ailing Pope Francis, expressing sorrow for his suffering, hope for his recovery and ...

Pope Francis met with the Vatican's secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on Monday as he rested comfortably ...

And there are no specific norms outlining what happens to the leadership of the Catholic Church if a pope ... is the secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Other Vatican functions are ...

And there are no specific norms outlining what happens to the leadership of the Catholic Church if a pope becomes ... the secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. In a sign that Francis ...

Entrusting the pope "to the powerful intercession of most holy Mary," the cardinal said, "may she sustain him in this time of ...