Pope Francis discusses possibility of retirement

In a conversation with TV host Fabio Fazio on the commercial channel Nove, Francis, when asked about his well-being, replied, “I am still alive." The interview lasted about an hour.

Discussing resignation, he said, “It's not something I'm thinking about, worrying about, or desiring. It's a possibility for all popes, but it's not on my mind right now. As long as I can serve, I will continue. Should circumstances change, we'll have to reconsider."

Concerns about Pope Francis' health have grown recently.

The 87-year-old pope struggled to finish a speech on Friday, citing "a touch of bronchitis" during a public appearance at the Vatican.

In November, he suffered an acute lung infection, leading to the cancellation of his planned attendance at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai.