Faithful gathered at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican and outside Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Monday (February 24) as Pope Francis remains critically ill but alert, according to the Vatican. Could these jumping mice change how astronauts exercise?

The pontiff "continues to be alert and well oriented" and has not had any further respiratory crises, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis was a frequent visitor to Rome long before he became pope, and over time found his favorite shops and artisans who are now pulling for him as he battles double pneumonia. “The pope is by now a friend,

Cardinal Michael Czerny says Pope Francis has meant a great deal to the Catholic church — and to the world — as he served with a view to the 'common good.' Czerny, a Canadian who was appointed to his current role by Francis,

While the Vatican has detailed laws and rituals to ensure the transfer of power when a pope dies or resigns, they do not apply if he is sick or even unconscious.

Catholics in Buenos Aires attended Mass on Sunday to pray for Pope Francis' recovery. (Video by Cristian Kovadloff)

The pope looms so large in everyday Italian life that there are lots of expressions that make light of even a dark event like his death.

At a Mass in the cathedral of Buenos Aires on Sunday, numerous worshippers prayed for the ailing Pope Francis, who was born in the Argentinian capital. In front of the church where the pope used to work,

Concerns over Pope Francis' health have mounted in recent years as have questions about his succession. Here's what we know.

Is Pope Francis going to live? Is he going to die? Will he remain as pope? Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, shares his expert insights on the pope's condition and prognosis.