The Latest Breaking News from Benedict XVI

Pope Francis, who has often said he may step down in the future if bad health impedes him from leading the Catholic Church, on Sunday praised the humility of one of the few popes in history to resign willingly instead of ruling for life.

Pope Francis has praised the humility of a 13th-century pontiff who resigned, during a visit to a quake-ravaged Italian mountain town

Pope Francis elevated 20 more churchmen to the rank of cardinal on Saturday, formally expanding those now eligible to vote for his successor in case he dies or resigns — the latter a step he has said he’d consider if the need arises.

Pope Francis to begin intense series of meetings and ceremonies that has brought all cardinals to Rome

Pope Francis has quashed rumours that he plans to resign anytime soon but his planned visit next weekend to the Italian city of L'Aquila will underscore the Catholic Church's need to regulate the status of pontiffs who step down instead of ruling for life.

Pontiff’s remarks after testing trip raise prospect of papal transition and more institutional changes

Pope Francis has said his recent trip to Canada showed he may one day need to retire if his health fails him. Although he was recently forced to deny rumours that he was about to step down, the 85-year-old Catholic leader has previously left open the possibility of some day…

‘I’ve no intention of resigning, not for the moment,’ says the pontiff

Pope Francis says he wouldn't live in the Vatican or return to his native Argentina if and when he ever retires

Reminiscent of the scene in Oscar-nominated film The Two Popes where Cardinal Julio Bergoglio (Jonathan Price) was led by the Swiss Guards up the long staircase to have audience with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI (Anthony Hopkins) at the Apostolic Palace, a group of Buddhist monks and laymen were guided…

The Pope sets aside rumours that he will announce his retirement while on a trip to L’Aquila