Pope Francis, 88, was recently diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, and as concerned Catholics around the world pray for the Holy Father, the Vatican revealed last week that he will remain hospitalized for treatment.

The popes of the last 100 years have seen their fair share of political divides and controversy, from pontiffs breaking centuries-old practices to backlash over the Vatican’s response to Hilter’s regime to the teachings of God’s love and grace and traveling the world to reach the sick and lonely; 

Pope Benedict XVI (2005-2013)

Before Pope Francis was elected by the College of Cardinals in 2013, Pope Benedict XVI, born Joseph Ratzinger, led the Catholic Church from 2005-2013.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI died at 95 years old. His funeral took place in St. Peter’s Square and around 50,000 people were in attendance. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

Pope Pius XII has been intensely criticized for what has been called his lack of support for Jews during World War II, but the Vatican has remained steadfast in his defense.

Pius XII died in 1958 at 82 years old.

Pope Pius XI (1922-1939)

Pope Pius XI, born Ambrogio Damiano Achille Ratti, was ordained a priest in 1879. He was named a cardinal and archbishop of Milan in 1921 by Pope Benedict XV and elected pope in 1922.

Benito Mussolini, the Italian dictator, came to power in 1922. The Lateran Treaty signed by Mussolini and the papacy acknowledged papal sovereignty over the Vatican City, making the state a neutral territory and the pope politically independent.

Pius XI died in 1939 at 81 years old.