,type=downsize)
Pope Francis' health is declining. The 88-year-old Argentinean Pope was hospitalized last Friday, with pneumonia in both of his lungs. While he appears to be in good spirits, the health scare has prompted many questions and many Catholic devotees to gather outside the hospital in Rome to pray.
How the process of choosing a new Pope works
© Getty ImagesSelecting a new Pope is a complicated process. While in theory any Catholic man can be selected, in practice, this process is limited to the 253 cardinals from around the world. These candidates will gather in Rome upon the Pope's death or resignation.
This voting process is called a conclave. It will be held in the Sistine Chapel and will occur over various rounds with some candidates being unable to be elected as Popes due to their age -- the newly elected Pope has to be under the age of 80.
© Getty Images138 of the 253 cardinals are possible candidates. Here are some of the most notorious personalities:
The frontrunners
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, Italy
© Getty ImagesPietro Parolin serves as the Vatican's secretary of state and is the current favorite. He's served in the position for the past 11 years, developing a close relationship with Pope Francis. He'd be considered an extension of the Pope's legacy.
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, 65, Democratic Republic of the Congo
© Mondadori Portfolio via Getty ImFridolin Ambongo Besungu represents the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar. He's a more conservative voice in the Catholic Church, publicly opposing Pope Francis' Fiducia supplicans doctrine, which allowed priests to bless same-sex and unmarried couples.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, Philippines
© Mondadori Portfolio via Getty ImLuis Antonio Tagle is a similar voice to Pope Francis, criticizing the Church's stance on issues like its treatment of LGBTQ people and divorced and remarried Catholics. He serves various roles in the Vatican and is a prominent figure in the organization.
Cardinal Raymond Burke, 76, United States of America
© Getty ImagesRaymund Burke is the most prominent American on the list of possible Pope candidates. He's known for his conservative views and for being a proponent of Latin mass.
He's opposed various of Pope Francis' measures, including allowing divorced and remarried couples to receive the Eucharist.
