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

With Pope Francis entering his fourth week in hospital, those working in the Apostolic Palace are grappling with the continuing uncertainty over the pope’s health. The same is true for everyone in the Vatican.

Pope Francis shares message from hospital bed after ‘gradual improvement’ - The Holy See distributed the message the pope would have delivered at his weekly noon blessing if he were well enough