When the Pope passes away, a complex and ancient process begins. Join us as we explore the intricate steps of papal succession, from the moment of death to the election of a new pontiff. Discover the ...

The Pope appealed to St. Benedict for help "to hold firm Christ's central position in our lives. May he always be first in our thoughts and in all our activities!" Before concluding, Benedict XVI ...

Stranger still, he said, was that Francis’ predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, announced his resignation at the same meeting of cardinals, called a consistory, that was also discussing the ...

Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation in 2013 marked a historic moment for the Catholic Church, making him the first pontiff in nearly 600 years to step down (the last was Gregory XII in 1415).

Thursday will mark the 12th anniversary of when Pope Francis was voted to succeed Pope Benedict XVI, who previously resigned. ABC News' Megan Forrester contributed to this report.

Pope Francis' biggest critic, an anti-vaccine traditionalist papal lawyer who would be the first American pontiff, is among the frontrunners to replace him. Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke, 76, is ...

Pope Francis, right, hugs Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI prior to the start of a meeting with elderly faithful in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on Sept. 28, 2014. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File) ...

Still, Francis' hospital stay is raising obvious questions about whether he might follow in Pope Benedict XVI's footsteps and resign if he becomes unable to lead ... Likewise, the dean of the College ...

He had spent 10 weeks in the war zone. In 2013, Pope Benedict XVI officially stepped down as leader of the Roman Catholic Church, citing a "lack of strength of mind and body." He was the first ...

This has led to speculation about whether Francis might consider resigning if he becomes unable to lead, following in the footsteps of Pope Benedict XVI ... at a papal funeral and organize ...

VATICAN CITY— While the Vatican has detailed laws and rituals to ensure the transfer of power when a pope dies or resigns, they do not apply if he is sick or even unconscious. And there are no ...