When Benedict XVI became the first pope to resign in 600 years it sent shockwaves through the Catholic Church. Now, after spending two weeks in hospital battling pneumonia, the speculation in the Vatican is whether his successor Pope Francis might do the same.

Doctors have suggested Pope Francis has overcome the most critical phase of pneumonia after recovering from the infection for two weeks. Father Dave Dwyer says most Catholics are unlikely to call for the pope's resignation.

Pope Francis has reached the two-week mark in his recovery from pneumonia, with doctors indicating that he has passed the most critical phase of the infection. However, medical professionals remain cautious,

After Pope Francis suffered a setback on Friday, doctors said it would take 24 to 48 hours to determine whether the crisis has worsened his condition. The Vatican said on Saturday that he was resting.

Pope Francis, who is being treated in hospital for double pneumonia, slept well overnight and is resting, the Vatican said in a brief statement on Thursday. The 88-year-old pontiff was spending his 14th day in Rome's Gemelli hospital after coming down with a severe respiratory infection that triggered various complications.

He will remain in hospital due to a complex clinical picture, the Vatican said on Friday morning. It added the 88-year-old had another "peaceful night" and is "now resting" in Rome's Gemelli Hospital.