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.

Pietro Parolin, a 70-year-old Italian polyglot who entered the seminary at just 14, is currently pitted as favourite to replace Francis as the pope is still in hospital.

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.