Pope Benedict XVI officially stepped down as leader of the Roman Catholic Church, citing a "lack of strength of mind and body."

Pope Emeritus Benedict stepped down from the papacy, making him the first one to take such a step in six centuries. This became one of the biggest events of the century. In 1953, the chemical structur

Pope Francis' approach to LGBTQ issues marked a major, if mixed, shift in tone for the Catholic Church -- from scorn to tolerance and acceptance.

Over the weekend, the Vatican announced serious complications in the recovery of Pope Francis. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been hospitalized for 10 days, is battling pneumonia and on Sunday also appeared to be in the early stages of kidney failure, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis removed Strickland after he refused to resign from office. The Dicastery for Bishops investigated "all aspects" of Strickland's governance and leadership and concluded that "the continuation in office of Bishop Strickland was not feasible." The department recommended that Strickland be asked to resign.

The Vatican has detailed laws and rituals to ensure the transfer of power when a pope dies or resigns, but not when he is sick

Cardinals, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), are bishops and Vatican officials from all over the world who are personally chosen by the pope. They are recognizable by their red vestments and they elect a new pope when the time comes.

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

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

The changes Francis brought to the papacy were more than skin deep. He opened the church to the outside world in ways none of his predecessors had done before.

Pope Francis has come down with a serious illness that could potentially force him to resign, but who would succeed him?

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