Pope Francis Denies Report He's Quitting Soon

Pope Francis has denied suggestions that he intends to quit soon, stating he plans to visit Canada this month and wishes to visit Moscow and Kyiv as soon as possible after that, Philip Pullela reported for Reuters.

Photo Insert: Pope Francis recently posed for a photo with Tesla founder Elon Musk.

In an exclusive interview at his Vatican apartment, Pope Francis also denied having cancer, joking that his doctors "didn't tell me anything about it," and revealed specifics about the knee problem that has stopped him from doing some of his regular tasks.

In a 90-minute conversation conducted in Italian with no aides present on Saturday afternoon, the 85-year-old pontiff reiterated his disapproval of abortion following the U.S. Supreme Court verdict last month.

Rumors have circulated in the media that a series of activities in late August, including meetings with the world's cardinals to consider a new Vatican constitution, an induction ceremony for new cardinals, and a visit to the Italian city of L'Aquila, might herald a resignation announcement.

L'Aquila is tied to Pope Celestine V, who resigned as Pope in 1294. Pope Benedict XVI was the first pope in 600 years to visit the city four years before resigning in 2013.

But Francis, who remained alert and relaxed during the conversation while discussing a wide range of foreign and Church concerns, laughed it off.

"All of these coincidences made some think that the same 'liturgy' would happen," he explained. "But it never entered my mind. For the moment no, for the moment, no. Really!"

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