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.

In a new book, Pope Francis said he feels “all right” despite his illnesses. “The reality is, quite simply, that I am old,” he says in “Hope: The Autobiography”, which was co-written with the Italian journalist Carlo Musso.

Pope Francis' predecessor, Benedict XVI, handed him a large white box containing several confidential documents related to the "most difficult and painful situations" involving the Vatican.

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

In this new, deeply personal autobiography, published January 15, Pope Francis does not reveal new information but instead retraces the encounters that shaped his early years and his family's history.

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.

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