The Vatican has laws to ensure the transfer of power when a pope dies or resigns, but they don't apply if he is sick.

Under Catholic canon law, the pope holds several key titles, including the successor of the Apostle Peter, the head of the ...

Cardinal Farrell, Dallas' former bishop, oversees Vatican affairs as Camerlengo following Pope Francis' health crisis.

When a pope dies, after the camerlengo certifies the passing, the pope's ring is removed and destroyed to mark the end of his ...