Pope Francis says resigning ‘does not cross his mind’ amid health struggles

Pope Francis put to bed any rumors of an upcoming resignation from the papacy.

In a meeting with over a dozen Catholic bishops visiting the Vatican from Brazil, Pope Francis discussed his health and plans for the future of his reign. The pope told visiting Archbishop Roque Paloschi that resigning from the Holy See “does not cross his mind,” according to the Portuguese edition of the Vatican’s official news service.

However, the pope did not feign great health, reportedly telling the bishops that he was facing many challenges, but that he wished to live the life God gave him until the end.

This private, seemingly off-hand comment quashes weeks of speculation that Pope Francis was considering an end to his papacy. 

POPE FRANCIS PREACHES ON…