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.

Catholics around the world including at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Carmichael are praying for Pope Francis as he remains in the hospital. The Vatican reported that the pope remained in critical condition as of Sunday.

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.