Rome’s Gemelli hospital shared photographs of some drawings, cards and crafts that children and young adults recovering in its pediatric oncology ward had sent to Pope Francis during his recovery.

The Vatican has governance norms when a pope resigns or dies, but none of those regulations apply to a sick, unconscious or hospitalized pope.

What happens when 70 artists and writers come together to discuss the Catholic imagination?

On “Inside the Vatican” this week, hosts Gerard O’Connell and Colleen Dulle discuss the pope's recent hospitalization to undergo surgery for a hernia causing intestinal blockage.

Four children from Bambino Gesú Children’s Hospital in Rome sent a colorful drawing to the pope, depicting him in a hospital bed, with the message, “Do not be afraid, we are with you!”

“Pope Francis is alert and conscious and [sends] thanks for the many messages of closeness and prayers that have reached him immediately,” said Dr. Sergio Alfieri.