Il Papa is teaching us about earthly humility here.
The lesson, par excellance, of his Shepherd, seated at the right hand of God.
Imagine the outrage if the article stated:
Earlier in the day, in an impromptu homily, the Pope had said: “I find myself on the last stretch of my journey in life, and I know I am guaranteed a spot in heaven. I don't know about all of you, but I have one foot past the Pearly Gates already.”