the pope's vicar for Rome. If the worst does happen, the conclave - where cardinals will gather in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican to choose a successor - will not happen for at least 15 days.

Following Nero’s death, Rome was plunged into chaos ... and naming Lucius Piso as his successor. Otho was furious. He gained the support of the Praetorian Guard, who assassinated both Galba ...

Once emperor and without an obvious heir, he had adopted Augustus. He may have been the first to choose a successor and call it hereditary succession, but he was not the last – Claudius ...

He gave more power to the Senate, kept Rome’s army on side and became popular ... him in the family as the Emperor’s clear successor, despite the fact that he already had a son.

Francis remained in critical condition at Gemelli hospital in Rome. The Vatican said Monday ... say the conclave that will vote on Francis’ successor will likely be one of the most ideologically ...