The election of a new pope is a complex process involving hundreds of cardinals that can stretch up to weeks on end. But the general public seems to have found its own way to show support for their pontiffs of choice.

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

Pope Francis met with the Vatican's secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on Monday as he rested comfortably throughout the night into Tuesday, but he remained in critical condition.

Pope Francis, 88, is fully aware of his health limitations but is "passionate" about serving until his death, one expert says.

A secret meeting, and echoes of Benedict’s exit, have heightened talk that Francis could resign, too. But the possibility is anyone’s guess.

Pope Francis remains in “critical but stationary” condition, according to the medical report released by the Vatican this evening. The report does not mention any improvement since yesterday’s medical update.

Platforms like BetUS and Polymarket are now featuring odds on who might become the next leader of the Catholic Church.

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

The Vatican has set in motion nightly prayers for Pope Francis in the hope that he might recover and get back to leading the Catholic Church.