“Pope Francis has slapped down rumours that he would resign amid a flurry of health issues, vowing to serve as pontiff for ‘as long as God allows’.
Francis, 85, cancelled a trip to Africa last week due to mobility concerns, prompting fears for his health.
He also told a meeting of priests in Rome last week: ‘Rather than operate, I’ll resign.
But the Catholic church leader poured cold water on talk of resignation, reportedly telling Brazilian bishops in a meeting yesterday: ‘I want to live my mission as long as God allows me and that’s it.’
Archbishop Roque Paloschi added that the Pope reassured the clergy meeting that ‘resignation does not cross his mind’, according to a Portuguese translation of the Vatican newsletter”