Current:Home > ContactPope Francis speaks about his health and whether he'd ever retire -Elevate Profit Vision
Pope Francis speaks about his health and whether he'd ever retire
View
Date:2025-04-19 08:07:21
Pope Francis' predecessor was the first pontiff in about 600 years to retire, but Francis says he has no plans to resign, and is even considering a possible trip to the U.S.
In a historic Vatican City interview with CBS Evening News anchor and managing editor Norah O'Donnell, the 87-year-old leader of the world's nearly 1.4 billion Catholics said the idea of stepping down has never occurred to him.
"Maybe if the day comes when my health can go no further," Francis said. "Perhaps because the only infirmity I have is in my knee, and that is getting much better. But it never occurred to me."
Francis, who took on the papacy in 2013 at the age of 76, now uses a wheelchair, but he described his health as "fine."
Past health problems for Pope Francis
As one of the oldest popes in the Church's history, Francis has dealt with several health issues, including the flu and two rounds of intestinal surgery. The pope also only has one full lung.
Francis, who is from Argentina, had "a good part" of an infected lung removed when he was younger, according to his authorized biographer, Sergio Rubin.
In "Life: My Story Through History," a memoir released earlier this year, Francis wrote about hospital stays and medical treatments, saying he knows that people speculate about the next conclave and a new pope.
"Relax. It's human. There's nothing shocking about it," he writes.
Last year, the pope was hospitalized for three days for what the Vatican called bronchitis, but the pope later described it as a case of pneumonia. Pope Francis also had abdominal surgery last June to repair a hernia and remove painful scarring.
Benedict XVI, the pope who retired in 2013, cited his declining health before stepping down. He died in 2022 at age 95.
No plans to slow down, with a possible U.S. trip in the future
Pope Francis has kept a busy schedule over the past decade, traveling to more than 60 countries. He has trips scheduled to the Far East and Belgium.
In September, Francis is scheduled to visit Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore. The Belgium trip is also scheduled for September.
Francis said he may also visit the United States, "depending on whether I have to go and speak at the United Nations." He added, "It's a possibility. I'm not certain."
O'Donnell asked what he would want to talk about there, and Francis replied, "If I go, it is to talk about peace."
The possible trip is one of the many topics the pontiff addressed in the CBS prime-time special "Pope Francis: The First," in the video above and streaming on Paramount+.
- In:
- Pope Francis
- Catholic Church
Aliza Chasan is a Digital Content Producer for "60 Minutes" and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.
TwitterveryGood! (12414)
Related
- Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
- Florida State drops Virginia to stay alive at College World Series
- A new airport could spark the economy in a rural part of Florida. Will the workforce be ready?
- 2 dead, 14 wounded after shooting at Juneteenth celebration in Texas
- Dick Vitale announces he is cancer free: 'Santa Claus came early'
- Social Security is constantly getting tweaked. Here's what could be changing next.
- What College World Series games are on Monday? Florida, NC State play for their season
- Armie Hammer Breaks Silence on Cannibalism Accusations
- Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
- What College World Series games are on Monday? Florida, NC State play for their season
Ranking
- 'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
- Biden’s reelection team launches $50 million ad campaign targeting Trump before the first debate
- Gordon Ramsay 'shook' after 'really bad' bike accident: 'Lucky to be here'
- Angelina Jolie Debuts Chest Tattoo During Milestone Night at Tony Awards With Daughter Vivienne Jolie-Pit
- What to watch: O Jolie night
- Kate Middleton Shares Sweet Photo of Prince William and Kids at the Beach for Father's Day
- You're not Warren Buffet. You should have your own retirement investment strategy.
- Field for New Jersey’s 2025 governor’s race expands, with radio host and teachers union president
Recommendation
At site of suspected mass killings, Syrians recall horrors, hope for answers
Eight Israeli soldiers killed in southern Gaza, IDF says
Severe weather forecast around US with high Southwest temperatures, Gulf rain and Rockies snow
Singer Cody Simpson fails to make Australian Olympic swimming team
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
Steven Spielberg gets emotional over Goldie Hawn tribute at Tribeca: 'Really moved'
Score 70% Off Aerie, an Extra 25% Off Tory Burch Sale Styles, 70% Off Wayfair & More
Jude Bellingham’s goal secures England a 1-0 win against Serbia at Euro 2024 after fans clash