Pope John Paul II suggested in his last testament that he considered the possibility of resigning in 2000, according to the document released today.
That year saw the Roman Catholic Church begin its new millennium and the pontiff turn 80.
The document, released by the Vatican today, also said he had left no material property and had asked that all his personal notes be burned.
It mentioned only two living people: his personal secretary and the chief rabbi of Rome who welcomed him to Rome's synagogue in 1986.
The testament also revealed John Paul considered having his funeral in his native Poland but later left it up to the College of Cardinals to decide.
The pope will be buried under St Peter's Basilica tomorrow after a funeral in the square.
