When a pope is named, they take on a new papal name that replaces their secular name. Francis was the first Francis. The most common papal name is John, followed by Benedict and Gregory.

March 13, 2025, marks Francis' 12th anniversary as pope. He holds the ninth longest papacy of the past 200 years.

Pope Francis has approved a new three-year reform process for the Catholic Church, sending a strong signal he plans to continue in the post despite spending a month in hospital battling pneumonia ...

Pope Francis is spending his 28th consecutive day in the hospital. LONDON and ROME -- Pope Francis is spending his 28th consecutive day in the hospital on the 12th anniversary of when he was ...

Mr. Gibson is the director of the Center on Religion and Culture at Fordham University. Pope Francis has been in a Rome hospital for a month, battling double pneumonia and its complications.

Pope Francis starts new 3-year process for Church reforms Francis, 88, still in hospital for double pneumonia New process indicates pope's desire to continue on VATICAN CITY, March 15 (Reuters ...