Pope Francis refutes resignation, cancer talks
Pope Francis has dismissed reports that he could be suffering from cancer.
Francis also categorically stated that he is not entertaining any idea of resigning in the near future while at the same time adding that the decision to cancel the trip to South Sudan caused him “much suffering”.
The head of the catholic said that he wanted to promote peace in both South Sudan and the Democratic republic of Congo, but had to call off the trip on doctor’s advice.
Several European media outlets had speculated that the Pope could leave office any time soon, following series of meetings with the world’s cardinals – to discuss a new Vatican constitution, a ceremony to induct new cardinals, and a visit to the Italian city of L’Aquila could foreshadow a resignation announcement, Reuters reported.
L’Aquila is associated with Pope Celestine V, who resigned the papacy in 1294. Pope Benedict XVI visited the city four years before he resigned in 2013, the first pope to do so in about 600 years.
“All of these coincidences made some think that the same ‘liturgy’ would happen,” he said.
“But it never entered my mind. For the moment no, for the moment, no. Really!” Reuters reported.
Meanwhile, the Pope plans to visit Canada this month and hopes to be able to go to Moscow and Kyiv as soon as possible despite his health condition.
But while talking about his health, the head of the Vatican strongly denied these reports that he could be suffering from cancer. He even joked that his doctors “didn’t tell me anything about it” as quoted by the Reuters.
Pope Francis was in an exclusive interview in his Vatican residence.
The 85-year old pontiff also gave an update about the knee condition that has prevented from coming to Juba, adding that he had suffered “a small fracture”.
“I am well, I am slowly getting better,” he said, adding that the fracture was knitting, helped by laser and magnet therapy.
