Pope Francis was reported to be in good spirits Tuesday after the Vatican declared he was out of danger and could even be discharged in the near future after almost one month in hospital with pneumonia.

As Pope Francis remains hospitalised, questions arise about who governs the Vatican in his absence. While the pontiff holds supreme authority, the Roman Curia — his bureaucratic body — plays a crucial role.

With Pope Francis entering his fourth week in hospital, those working in the Apostolic Palace are grappling with the continuing uncertainty over the pope’s health. The same is true for everyone in the Vatican.