Vatican work continues apace even with Pope Francis in hospital

A view shows the statue of late Pope John Paul II outside the Gemelli Hospital where Pope Francis is admitted to continue treatment for his ongoing respiratory tract infection, in Rome, Italy, February 19, 2025. REUTERS/Yara Nardi/ File Photo

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - While Pope Francis battles pneumonia in hospital, work at the Vatican, headquarters of the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church, continues apace.

Although certain doctrinal matters require the pope's direct attention, senior Catholic cardinals and other Vatican officials can make many of the daily decisions that govern the global Church.