Is Pope Francis Preparing to Step Down from the Throne?

Pope Francis has denied rumors that he is planning to abdicate the papacy in the near future. The news was reported by Reuters.

Previously, media outlets had speculated that events in August, including meetings with cardinals to discuss a new apostolic constitution, the ordination of new cardinals, and a planned visit to L'Aquila in Italy, could be signs of an impending resignation announcement.

According to the agency, L'Aquila is associated with Celestine V, who abdicated in 1294. Benedict XVI was the first pope in 600 years to visit the city in 2013, four years before his resignation.

“All these coincidences have led some to think that the same story will unfold. But such a thought has never crossed my mind. Not at this moment, no. Really,” emphasized Pope Francis.

He also labeled as palace gossip reports that cancer was discovered during surgery to remove part of his colon a year ago. “The surgery went very well,” the Pope noted, joking that he had not been informed of any supposed cancer.