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

VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI announced Monday that he would resign on Feb. 28 because he was simply too infirm to carry on — the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. The decision sets the ...

Cardinal George Pell, a leading Roman Catholic conservative, said the Vatican needs clear rules to govern the status of future popes who resign rather than rule for life and that such a move would ...

Pope Francis, leaving his mark on the Roman Catholic Church into the future, named 13 cardinals from eight countries on Sunday, including nine who are eligible to enter a conclave to elect his ...

Declaring that he lacks the strength to do his job, Pope Benedict XVI announced he will resign Feb. 28 – becoming the first pontiff to step down in 600 years. His decision sets the stage for a ...

Pope Francis "rested well during the night and woke up shortly after 8:00 a.m.," according to the Holy See Press Office on Wednesday morning. The pope, 88, is receiving treatment for bilateral ...