Concerns over Pope Francis' health have mounted in recent years as have questions about his succession. Here's what we know.

The health of Pope Francis remains unclear as the faithful have gathered in St. Peter’s Square nightly to pray for his recovery. The 88-year-old pontiff was hospitalized almost two weeks ago, suffering from double pneumonia and mild renal insufficiency.

The slight renal insufficiency the pope had in recent days subsided and a CAT scan of the chest showed a normal evolution of the pulmonary inflammatory picture.

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — While Pope Francis remains hospitalized for pneumonia in both lungs, work continued as usual at the Vatican on Wednesday (Feb. 26) as it announced the creation of new Curial offices and the appointment of bishops. “The Holy Father ...

Time-honored rituals, drafted and refined over centuries, allow time for mourning and provide order at a dramatic moment of transition.

But the possibility is anyone’s guess. By Jason Horowitz Photographs by James Hill Earlier this week, two top Vatican officials made a secret visit to see Pope Francis in the hospital. At first, the Vatican said it had no information about the meeting ...

To the ills of this world, Pope Francis calls us to be a Church that ministers to the body, mind and heart of our brothers and sisters.