Pope Francis Talks About His Health and Plans

Pope Francis, who turned 88 last month and used an aide to read a speech due to a cold, recently published an autobiography. In it, he says he's feeling well and has no plans to resign from leading the global Catholic Church. "I am well, " he wrote, "even though I'm old. " The pope, who often uses a wheelchair due to knee and back pain, believes that the Church is led with the heart and mind, not physical strength. Francis has faced health issues like influenza and surgery for diverticulitis in 2021 and a hernia in 2023. Despite this, he never considered resigning. He even mentions that every time a pope gets sick, there's talk of a conclave, where cardinals elect the next pope. But his new book, titled "Hope, " shows he's focused on his life, journey from Buenos Aires to leading the Church, and his decisions. One significant decision he defends is allowing priests to bless same-sex couples on a case-by-case basis. This sparked debate, with some bishops, particularly in Africa, refusing to implement it. Francis argues that it's about blessing people, including those who are divorced, homosexual, or transgender. "Homosexuality is not a crime, it is a human fact, " he states.