Pope Francis has no intention of retiring and plans to remain in post for life, according to his new autobiography.
In "Life: My Story Through History", Pope Francis, who is 87, says there is "no risk" of him resigning despite speculation he might step down following a spate of health issues.
"I believe the pope's ministry is ad vitam, for life," Francis says.
"I therefore see no justification for giving it up."
Earlier this year, Francis cancelled meetings and audiences due to ill health. He has suffered from frequent bouts of influenza, has difficult walking and is increasingly seen using a wheelchair.
These issues, as well as the Pope's age, have prompted questions about the future of the Catholic Church.
Despite denying he is considering retirement, in his memoir Francis says that if he was forced to step down due to "serious physical impediment" he would "move to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore to serve as confessor and give Communion to the sick".
However, according to sources familiar with Francis' thinking, the pontiff is determined to avoid a scenario in which two popes are alive simultaneously - something which occurred when his predecessor Benedict XVI took the highly unusual decision of stepping down in 2013.
