The Vatican has laws to ensure the transfer of power when a pope dies or resigns, but they don't apply if he is sick.

Pope Francis is in a critical condition at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, raising concerns about the Vatican's leadership and the Catholic Church's future. As speculation about his possible resignation grows,

If he were to do so, the church would elect a new pope through a process known as a conclave. Here is everything you need to know about the conclave and the steps that are traditionally taken to choose a new pope.

The election of a new pope is a rigorous process involving a series of rituals that unfold in stages. First, there is the College of Cardinals. They play a major role in the election process. They are,