As Pope Francis continues to fight double pneumonia in hospital, many have begun to wonder what the process would be if he were to step down on health grounds like his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI.The method the Catholic Church uses to select their leader has remained virtually unchanged for the last 800 years.

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

Presenting clips from best cast nominee “Conclave” at the 2025 SAG Awards, Ralph Fiennes, Isabella Rosselini, John Lithgow and Sergio Castellito acknowledged 88-year-old Pope Francis’ health crisis.