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.

A secret meeting, and echoes of Benedict’s exit, have heightened talk that Francis could resign, too. But the possibility is anyone’s guess.

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

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

(AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) FILE-- A mosaic icon of Pope Francis is lifted to be placed next to the icon of Benedict XVI inside St. Peter and Paul’s Basilica in Rome, Monday, Dec. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) FILE-- The tapestries showing late ...

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

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

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

The Vatican also released Francis' message for Lent, which runs from March 5 to April 17. The message, dated Feb. 6, encouraged Catholics to put themselves in the shoes of a migrant as an “examination of conscience.”