A scholar of global Catholicism writes how Francis has opened the church to the outside world in ways no pope had done before.

Pope Francis continued his slow recovery from double pneumonia on Thursday, beating back speculation of an imminent death, resignation or conclave and signaling that he was still very much in charge, albeit in a weakened state.

The Vatican has not announced Pope Francis is resigning, contrary to online claims. Further, his successor would be elected by Cardinals, not Francis.

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.