Pope Jokes "Some Wanted Me Dead" After Surgery: Report

Pope Francis replied: "Still alive, even though some people wanted me dead."

Pope Francis joked that "some people wanted me dead" and cardinals were already preparing to replace him after his colon surgery this summer, according to a media report Tuesday.

The 84-year-old pontiff made the comments during a meeting with fellow Jesuits in Bratislava on September 12, according to Jesuit journal La Civilta Cattolica.

Asked by one of those present how he was, Francis replied: "Still alive, even though some people wanted me dead.

"I know there were even meetings between prelates who thought the pope's condition was more serious than what was said. They were preparing for the conclave. Ah well!"