He can only be replaced if he dies or resigns, and not even in the event of unconsciousness.
There are, however, no specific guidelines for handling situations where a pope becomes incapacitated.
In the case of a bishop who becomes incapable of running his diocese, canon law allows for the appointment of a replacement, such as an auxiliary bishop or vicar general.
However, no similar provision exists for the pope if he were to become incapacitated.
In a latest update on his health, Vatican said Pope Francis is alert after suffering two episodes of "acute respiratory failure" on Monday afternoon.
Doctors were forced to intervene to clear mucus from the Pope's lungs, an update from the Holy See said, though it said he was alert throughout.
The 88-year-old pontiff has resumed the use of an oxygen mask and ventilator to assist his breathing, but remains "alert, focused and cooperative", it said.
With concerns being raised about his health condition, there are speculations on whether he might resign if he becomes incapable of leading, just like Pope Benedict XVI in 2013.
Under Catholic canon law, the pope holds several key titles, including the successor of the Apostle Peter, the head of the college of bishops, the Vicar of Christ and the pastor of the universal Catholic Church.
Operations of the church
An article by Manchester Evening News states that while the Pope holds ultimate authority, much of the day-to-day governance of the Vatican and the wider Church is managed by a group of senior officials.
These individuals ensure the Church's operations proceed smoothly regardless of the Pope's health or presence.
A prominent figure in this leadership is Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State.
At the time Pope Francis was admitted to hospital on February 14, Parolin was in Burkina Faso for official duties.
But it offers no explanation of what "completely impeded" means or how the Church should respond.
Canon law requires a papal resignation to be “freely and properly manifested,” as was the case when Benedict XVI resigned in 2013.
In the past, popes have considered resigning due to illness.
In 1965, Pope Paul VI wrote to the dean of the College of Cardinals, suggesting that the cardinals should accept his resignation if he became seriously ill.
The only time the leadership of the Church formally changes is when a pope dies or resigns.
The camerlengo certifies the pope’s death, seals the papal apartments and prepares for the pope’s funeral.
A conclave is then organised to elect a new pope.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell currently holds this position.
If the pope is just ill or incapacitated, however, the camerlengo has no additional duties.
Similarly, the dean of the College of Cardinals, who would oversee a papal funeral and the conclave, does not assume extra responsibilities during a period of illness.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, 91, currently holds this role.
Vatican functions
All planned events at the Vatican, which include preparations for the 2025 Holy Year celebrations, continue without any disruption despite the pope’s hospitalisation.
For example, Archbishop Rino Fisichella recently led a Jubilee Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica that Pope Francis had originally planned to officiate.
