Platforms like BetUS and Polymarket are now featuring odds on who might become the next leader of the Catholic Church.

Following the death of a pope, or in rare cases of resignation such as with Pope Benedict XVI, the Vatican convenes a papal conclave, in which the College of Cardinals come together to elect the Church’s next head.

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 hospitalized, speculation intensifies over who could be the next leader of the Catholic Church

The pope is 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 on Earth, according to the church’s in-house canon law.

Pope Francis' health update was issued by the Vatican, which says he slept well. Meanwhile, a list of potential successors emerges amid his illness.

Pope Francis remains in “critical but stationary” condition, according to the medical report released by the Vatican this evening. The report does not mention any improvement since yesterday’s medical update.

Pope Francis met with the Vatican's secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on Monday as he rested comfortably throughout the night into Tuesday, but he remained in critical condition.

Pope Francis has come down with a serious illness that could potentially force him to resign, but who would succeed him?

Eleven days after the pope was hospitalized, speculation is mounting and prayers for his recovery verge on a vigil.

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 ...