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

Faithful gathered at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican and outside Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Monday (February 24) as Pope Francis remains critically ill but alert, according to the Vatican. Could these jumping mice change how astronauts exercise?

Pope Francis's condition "remains critical", the Vatican said Sunday on his 10th day in hospital as Catholics around the world prayed for the 88-year-old's recovery.

Catholics in Buenos Aires attended Mass on Sunday to pray for Pope Francis' recovery. (Video by Cristian Kovadloff)

The film by Edward Berger, based on the novel by Robert Harris, follows Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), as he leads a secret conclave to choose the next pope. There are twists and turns and revelations,

Pope Francis was sitting upright and receiving therapy for double pneumonia Wednesday, the Vatican said, as Argentines, Romans and others kept up the steady stream of prayers for his recovery.

While the Vatican has detailed laws and rituals to ensure the transfer of power when a pope dies or resigns, they do not apply if he is sick or even unconscious.

The cast of "Conclave" made sure to send Pope Francis well wishes at the Screen Actors Guild Awards Sunday night.

As Catholics around the world pray for Pope Francis to recover from health ailments that have left the 88-year-old pontiff in critical condition, "Conclave," a fictional thriller about the process of selecting a new pope,

Blood tests have confirmed an improvement, according to the Vatican's update. The slight kidney insufficiency detected a few days ago has receded, and Francis is continuing to receive respiratory physiotherapy.