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.

A legislative gap in the Vatican's laws leaves Pope Francis in charge despite his severe illness. An initiative to rectify this has gained support, suggesting a process involving medical evaluations and the college of cardinals to manage the Church in case of papal incapacity.

Cardinals, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), are bishops and Vatican officials from all over the world who are personally chosen by the pope. They are recognizable by their red vestments and they elect a new pope when the time comes.