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.

Doctors have suggested Pope Francis has overcome the most critical phase of pneumonia after recovering from the infection for two weeks. Father Dave Dwyer says most Catholics are unlikely to call for the pope's resignation.

Pope Francis has reached the two-week mark in his recovery from pneumonia, with doctors indicating that he has passed the most critical phase of the infection. However, medical professionals remain cautious,

There has long been a Vatican taboo against openly talking about a conclave when a pope is sick: It’s considered gauche to speculate about the election of a new pope while the current one is fighting for his life.

Pope Francis was a frequent visitor to Rome long before he became pope. ROME — Pope Francis was a frequent visitor to Rome long before he became pope, and over time found his favorite shops and artisans who are now pulling for him as he battles double pneumonia.

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

Pope Francis suffered an isolated coughing fit on Friday that resulted in him inhaling vomit and requiring non-invasive mechanical ventilation, the Vatican said in relaying an alarming setback in his two-week long battle against double pneumonia.

The development marked a setback in what had been two successive days of increasingly upbeat reports from doctors treating Francis.