Pope Francis is making a stable recovery from double pneumonia after 18 days in hospital. His condition has improved without the need for mechanical ventilation, though he remains closely monitored. Admitted on February 14,

Pope Francis was a frequent visitor to Rome long before he became pope. Now his favorite shops and artisans are pulling for him as he battles double pneumonia.

Pope Francis has faced a major setback in his recovery from double pneumonia after inhaling vomit during a severe coughing fit. Doctors at Rome’s Gemelli hospital placed him on noninvasive mechanical ventilation,

There has long been a Vatican taboo against openly talking about a conclave when a pope is sick: It’s considered gauche to speculate about the election of a new pope while the current one is fighting for his life.

The movie "Conclave" is finding popular appeal as the media monitors Pope Francis' health in Rome, sparking interest in how a real papal election might unfold.