The Catholic world was thrown into uncertainty earlier this month when Pope Francis was taken to hospital with a respiratory tract infection. Over the following days, the 88-year-old pontiff’s infection spiralled into pneumonia in both lungs and kidney failure.

Pietro Parolin, a 70-year-old Italian polyglot who entered the seminary at just 14, is currently pitted as favourite to replace Francis as the pope is still in hospital.

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis remained in critical but stable condition Tuesday, with his blood parameters remaining stable as he works from the hospital while battling double pneumonia, the Vatican said.