Pope Francis has no intention of resigning because he believes his health is good enough to continue his work, the Vatican leader said in a new book, excerpts from which Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera published on Thursday. Reuters.

“It’s a far-fetched hypothesis because I don’t have reasons strong enough to make me think about giving up,” Pope Francis is quoted as saying in the book “Life is my story within history,” based on an interview with the soon-to-be-released pope in Italy March 19.

In recent years, the health of the 87-year-old Pope Francis has become increasingly weak.

The sovereign pontiff uses a wheelchair or cane to get around and has recently suffered bouts of bronchitis and colds that have limited his public appearances.

However, in the book he gives reassurances about his physical condition.

“Thank God, I feel good and, God willing, there are many more projects to come,” he said, reiterating that he would only consider stepping down in case of “serious physical impediments.”

Pope Francis’ predecessor, Benedict XVI, was the first pope to resign in about 600 years, citing the limitations of old age. He retired in February 2013 at the age of 85 and went on to live for almost another decade, dying at the age of 95. (Agerpress)