Canon law states that a pope can resign, but it stipulates that the papal resignation must be “made freely and properly manifested”—conditions that would be difficult to ascertain if a pope were already incapacitated.

Pope Francis remains in “critical but stationary” condition, according to the medical report released by the Vatican this evening. The report does not mention any improvement since yesterday’s medical update.

Pope Francis remains in critical condition, but he is stable and there is “a slight improvement” today on various fronts, according to the latest medical report from his doctors.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, will lead a public recitation of the rosary at 9 p.m. Feb. 24 in St. Peter’s Square.

The severe breathing crisis that Francis experienced on Feb. 22 has been overcome. The pope is not sedated. He is seated in an armchair and eating normally.

Pope Francis has had a severe breathing crisis today that required giving him high-flow oxygen and blood transfusions.

A Reflection for Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Ordinary Time, by Jackson Goodman

A Reflection for Monday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time, by Michael J. O’Loughlin

“Sugarcane” is, surprisingly, a story of healing, although the healing does not come from the church or its ministers.

“I do not like to speak about the health of the pope. It’s important to be discreet, not to run after rumors and fake news,” the French Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline said at a press conference today.