Did Pope Francis chew coca leaves during his visit in Bolivia?

Pope Francis prefers mate, a traditional Argentinian tea.

During Pope Francis' recent visit in South America, there were claims he requested to chew some coca leaves to help him cope with the high altitude. Bolivian authorities stated earlier that the Pope made the request during his stay in La Paz, but the Pontiff clarified that he has not tried the leaves. The Pope feels quite weaker in higher altitudes because of having only one functional lung.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - "You wanted to ask me what is my drug of choice? Well, mate helps me. But I haven't tried coca, I want to make that clear," said Pope Francis when asked by a journalist what kept him energetic during his recent trip.

Mate, the Pope explained, is a popular traditional tea in his native country, Argentina. The coca leaf is a mild stimulant, popular and legal in Bolivia and used for medical purposes and traditional rites.

Coca leaves are also the main ingredient of cocaine. However, it is chewed or brewed in the South American country to help people feel ease with in high altitudes.

Bolivian President Evo Morales, who welcomed Pope Francis in the country and created media buzz for his strange gift to Pope Francis, started his political path as the leader of the traditional coca leaf producers, known as the "cocaleros." Pope Francis only stayed in La Paz for about four hours because of the high altitude, 3,650 meters above sea level.

During his eight-day trip through South American countries, Pope Francis addressed social issues including, poverty, inequality and the indigenous rights. His Bolivian visit was controversial after Morales gave him the "communist crucifix."

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