Francis' hospital stay is raising questions about what happens if he loses consciousness for a prolonged period, or whether he might follow in Pope Benedict XVI's footsteps and resign.

The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI has demonstrated the process by which a pope might step down and be replaced.

The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI has demonstrated the process by which a pope might step down and be replaced.

Pope Francis’ hospital stay is raising obvious questions about what happens if he loses consciousness for a prolonged period, or whether he might follow in Pope Benedict XVI’s footsteps and resign if he becomes unable to lead.

It’s time for a change.The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI could position the church

A bishop removed from his diocese by Pope Francis is "grateful" for everyone who has prayed for the pope amid his ongoing health battle. "We must remember that praying for those in peril is who we are,

The Vatican says that Pope Francis has suffered two new episodes of acute respiratory crises and has been put back on noninvasive mechanical ventilation

Pope Francis has suffered a serious setback in his two-week battle with double pneumonia. Newsweek's live blog is closed.

An old video which was recorded in 2024 showed the pontiff, Pope Francis responding to a question on weather he would consider resigning his position.

Over the weekend, the Vatican announced serious complications in the recovery of Pope Francis. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been hospitalized for 10 days, is battling pneumonia and on Sunday also appeared to be in the early stages of kidney failure, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis' approach to LGBTQ issues marked a major, if mixed, shift in tone for the Catholic Church -- from scorn to tolerance and acceptance.

The Vatican reported Friday that he experienced sudden breathing problems that required “non-invasive mechanical ventilation” but that he remained “alert.”