Francis spent much of the past decade in relatively good health but has dealt with several painful medical conditions over the last few years.

ROME — An introspective Pope Francis has divulged some of the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the secret 2013 conclave that elected him pope and the resistance he has encountered ever since, in his autobiography being released Tuesday that also doubles down on some of his more controversial decisions as pontiff.

Pope Francis, who turned 88 last month and asked an aide to read a major speech last week due to a cold, says in a new book that he feels healthy and has no plans to resign as leader of the global Catholic Church.

The book, which was six years in the making, vividly recreates Francis’ childhood in Buenos Aires but offers few new insights into his papacy.

Pope Francis has released is autobiography "Hope". The book shares anecdotes from his life alongside his thoughts on the most trying issues of the era. View on euronews

Reflecting on the Prologue of John’s Gospel, the Pope reminded the faithful that Jesus, the Word Incarnate, is ‘the light that shines in darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’

Hope,” the autobiography of Pope Francis, hit the shelves of Italian bookstores Tuesday and will be on sale starting Jan. 16 in more than 100 countries.