Pope Francis has denied reports that he plans to step down in the near future, Reuters reported.

Francis also dismissed rumors that he had cancer, joking that the doctors didn't tell me anything about it and gave details for the first time about a knee condition that prevented him from performing some duties.

Rumors circulated in the media that a combination of events in late August, including meetings with the world's cardinals to discuss a new constitution for the Vatican, an inauguration ceremony for new cardinals, and a visit to the Italian city of L'Aquila, could herald a resignation.

L'Aquila is associated with Pope Celestine V, who left the papacy in 1294. Pope Benedict XVI visited the city four years before he retired in 2013, the first pope to do so in about 600 years.

But Francis dismissed the idea. Francis reiterated his oft-stated stance that he might someday retire if failing health prevented him from leading the church.