I am not sure how many of the events that have unfolded in Rome over the past 35 years will make it into the history books. Certainly, the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in 2013, the first pontiff to do so in six centuries,

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 remained in critical but stable condition Tuesday, with his blood parameters remaining stable as he works from the hospital while battling double pneumonia, the Vatican said.The Vatican's evening update said the 88-year-old pope underwent a follow-up CAT scan in Tuesday evening to check the lung infection.

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

The Vatican says Pope Francis, who is hospitalized in critical condition with double pneumonia, was well enough to meet with Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

The pope was admitted to hospital on February 14 where he is fighting a complex respiratory infection and pneumonia in both lungs.

Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on Feb. 14 after ... Francis has said he would consider it, after Pope Benedict XVI “opened the door” to popes retiring.

The pope looms so large in everyday Italian life that there are lots of expressions that make light of even a dark event like his death.

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

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