The changes Francis brought to the papacy were more than skin deep. He opened the church to the outside world in ways none of his predecessors had done before.

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

As Pope Francis remains in critical condition fighting a complex respiratory infection and double pneumonia, world and interfaith leaders are offering well wishes and prayers for the recovery of the Argentine pontiff.