Pope Francis denies resignation rumors

Jack Birle

July 04, 10:27 AM July 04, 10:27 AM

Pope Francis has denied rumors that he will soon be stepping down despite recent health troubles and canceled trips.

Francis acknowledged the concerns and coincidences leading to speculation about his future as pope but insisted he has no immediate plans to resign in an interview with Reuters.

PELOSI VISITED WITH POPE FRANCIS, RECEIVED COMMUNION DURING VATICAN VISIT

With a large meeting of the Catholic Church's cardinals, a cardinal induction ceremony, and a visit to L'Aquila, an Italian city linked with papal resignation, all planned for this August, speculation about a resignation began to emerge.

"All of these coincidences made some think that the same 'liturgy' would happen," Francis said in the interview published on Monday. "But it never entered my mind. For the moment, no, for the moment, no. Really!"

The pope's health has also been a reason for speculation, with the leader of the Catholic Church being limited in mobility due to a knee injury.

In the interview, Francis denied rumors that he had cancer when he had an operation on his colon last year, calling the procedure a "great success."

The Vatican recently canceled a trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan due to needed therapy and rest for Francis's recovery. He still plans on making a trip to Canada later this month.

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In the interview, the Pope reiterated if his health were to decline to a point where he could not perform his duties, then he may resign.