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.

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.

It’s time for a change.The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI could position the church

As Pope Francis remains hospitalised, questions arise about who governs the Vatican in his absence. While the pontiff holds supreme authority, the Roman Curia — his bureaucratic body — plays a crucial role.

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

The Vatican has laws to ensure the transfer of power when a pope dies or resigns, but they don't apply if he is sick.

John Paul spent so much time on the 10th floor papal suite that he referred to Gemelli as “Vatican III” — a reference that beyond the primary seat of the papacy in Vatican City, the Polish pope also spent considerable time at the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo, hence Vatican II.

The Vatican has set in motion nightly prayers for Pope Francis in the hope that he might recover and get back to leading the Catholic Church.

Francis had suffered a bronchospasm that resulted in “an episode of vomiting with inhalation” on Friday, causing a sudden worsening of his health.

The pontiff remained alert, oriented and cooperated with medical personnel, according to the Vatican but his prognosis remained guarded.