Pope Francis has reportedly created a new taskforce to urge Catholics to donate money as the church faces a funding crisis. The pontif has recently been seriously ill in hospital with kidney failure and double pneumonia. The team was signed off by the Pope on February 11 - three days before he was admitted to hospital.

Members of London's Catholic community say they're praying in solidarity for Pope Francis as the 88-year-old pontiff is still in hospital where he remains in critical condition on Sunday.

Renewed interest in Vatican tradition on back of Conclave winning at the Baftas and updates on Pope Francis’ health

Pope Francis remains hospitalized with a severe lung infection, but while clear procedures exist for the resignation or death of a pope, no specific laws define how leadership is handled if the leader of the Catholic Church is unconscious or unable to govern.

LONDON and ROME -- The Vatican press office has released a statement saying the pope had a peaceful evening of rest in hospital and is continuing his recovery in the hospital on Friday morning.

Doctors have removed a mechanical ventilator from Pope Francis as the pontiff continues to recover from a respiratory infection that put him in the hospital in critical condition, the Vatican announced Sunday.

The Vatican said Friday that Pope Francis is on a breathing machine after suffering a sudden respiratory episode during his hospitalization.

The faithful continue to gather at St. Peter's Square and churches around Rome to pray for the health of the pontiff.