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

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.

The eyes of millions around the world are on Pope Francis who is reported to be in critical condition. Pope Francis has been in the hospital for a week with a complex lung infection. Officials say the 88-year old’s main threat would be the onset of sepsis,