As Pope Francis remains hospitalized, speculation intensifies over who could be the next leader of the Catholic Church
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."
Pope Francis, who is currently hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, convened a consistory in preparation for upcoming canonizations. This assembly of cardinals, which can take several forms, may be gathered to discuss important matters concerning the life of the Catholic Church.
Thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square to pray for an ailing Pope Francis, expressing sorrow for his suffering, hope for his recovery and gratitude for his efforts to steer the Catholic Church in new directions.
The Vatican press office said Cardinal Parolin will lead a rosary for the pontiff in St. Peter's Square at 9 p.m. local time. The U.S. bishops urged Catholics to join that prayer at the same time, 3 p.m. on the East Coast.
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 ...
Under Catholic canon law, the pope holds several key titles, including the successor of the Apostle Peter, the head of the college of bishops, the Vicar of Christ and the pastor of the universal Catholic Church. These roles, along with his power, have remained unchanged since he became the 266th pope on March 13, 2013.
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