When Benedict XVI became the first pope to resign in 600 years it sent shockwaves through the Catholic Church. Now, after spending two weeks in hospital battling pneumonia, the speculation in the Vatican is whether his successor Pope Francis might do the same.

Pope Benedict XVI officially stepped down as leader of the Roman Catholic Church, citing a "lack of strength of mind and body."

Pope Emeritus Benedict stepped down from the papacy, making him the first one to take such a step in six centuries. This became one of the biggest events of the century. In 1953, the chemical structur

Pope Francis removed Strickland after he refused to resign from office. The Dicastery for Bishops investigated "all aspects" of Strickland's governance and leadership and concluded that "the continuation in office of Bishop Strickland was not feasible." The department recommended that Strickland be asked to resign.

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.

Concerns over Pope Francis' health have mounted in recent years as have questions about his succession. Here's what we know.

Despite his hospital stay, Pope Francis remains in charge of the Catholic Church. But what if his health continues to decline?

Cardinal Blase Cupich, the archbishop of Chicago, and Chicago-born Cardinals Robert Prevost and Wilton Gregory would be part of the papal conclave that elects a new pope. Experts say a selection from the United States is unlikely.

Gandhi’s Scant Garb Bars Audience with Pope.” So read the headline of a New York Times report, from December 13, 1931, that the Vatican had cancelled a meeting between Pius XI and “the Indian nationalist leader” because the Pope thought he might be criticized “if he received the visitor in his usual scanty clothing.

The changes Francis brought to the papacy were more than skin deep. He opened the church to the outside world in ways none of his predecessors had done before.