Time-honored rituals, drafted and refined over centuries, allow time for mourning and provide order at a dramatic moment of transition.

Concerns over Pope Francis' health have mounted in recent years as have questions about his succession. Here's what we know.

The Pope is still in the hospital. His condition remains severe, although there has been a slight improvement in the past few hours. "My long-time colleague, paramedic Massimiliano Strappetti, is constantly with Francis.