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

Pope Francis, 88, has been hospitalized in Rome since February 14 due to a severe respiratory tract infection that led to further complications. "This afternoon ... the Holy Father experienced an isolated bronchospasm crisis," the Vatican announced in a health update on Friday, February 28, 2025.

Pope Francis is resting well as he battles double pneumonia, the Vatican said on Wednesday, with an official adding that he is continuing to eat normally and is able to move around his hospital room.

Pope Francis, who is being treated in hospital for double pneumonia, slept well overnight and is resting, the Vatican said in a brief statement on Thursday. The 88-year-old pontiff was spending his 14th day in Rome's Gemelli hospital after coming down with a severe respiratory infection that triggered various complications.