Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin visited Pope Francis at the 10th-floor hospital of Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Monday. Insiders suspect that Parolin may well become Pope Francis' dyed-in-the-wool successor.

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

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis remained in critical but stable condition Tuesday, with his blood parameters remaining stable as he works from the hospital while battling double pneumonia, the Vatican said.

As Pope Francis remains hospitalized, speculation intensifies over who could be the next leader of the Catholic Church

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

Despite his hospital stay, Pope Francis remains in charge of the Catholic Church. But what if his health continues to decline?

Rome: Pope Francis "rested well" during his 11th night in hospital in Rome, the Holy See said on Tuesday.Despite a slightly improved condition,

Thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square on a chilly, rainy evening to pray for an ailing Pope Francis.

On February 24, prayers for Pope Francis continued at Gemelli Hospital, where the Holy Father remains hospitalized. In the St. John Paul II Chapel, Adoration was led by the chaplain at noon, followed by Holy Mass. Let's continue to pray for Pope Francis. pic.twitter.com/ZCZm5mskYg