Pope Francis is being treated for double pneumonia and recent blood tests also revealed "mild renal insufficiency."
Pope Francis has been at the Gemelli Clinic in Rome for a few days, steadily battling bilateral pneumonia. The media quickly began speculating about the potential successor to the Pope from Argentina.
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.
Pope Francis, who is in critical condition with a complex lung infection, offered his thanks for the "many messages of affection" he has received since he was hospitalized earlier this month.