I did not want to be Pope, says Francis Pope Francis has revealed he never wanted to be Pope and that he's living in the Vatican hotel for his ""psychiatric"" health. Francis showed a personal and spontaneous side as he met with thousands of children from Jesuit schools across Italy and Albania. Tossing aside his prepared remarks, Francis surprised the kids by asking them if they'd like to ask him some questions instead. Answering their questions one by one, Francis told them the decision to become a priest had been difficult and that he had suffered moments of interior darkness. He explained to another child that he lives in a spare suite in the Vatican hotel, rather than the papal apartments, because living alone or isolated wouldn't be good for him.