Pope Francis expresses interest in chewing coca leaves in Bolivia

Pope Francis will soon be traveling to Bolivia and according one of the country's officials, he has expressed interest in chewing coca leaves while he's there.

Though they are a main ingredient in cocaine, they're also said to have a number of medicinal benefits, including lessening the effects of altitude sickness.

As a means of helping the Pope deal with being so high up in the mountains during his upcoming visit, Bolivia's Culture Minister said that he "offered (the Pope) coca tea."

The minister also revealed that the Pope remarked that he'd like to chew coca leaves.

Due to the UN labeling the leaves as an illegal substance, their availability is scarce.

Many indigenous people in Bolivia regard the bush as being sacred, and growing it there for religious and medicinal purposes is allowed.

In addition to being chewed whole and infused into a tea, the leaves are used in the making of foods.

The Pope is due to arrive in Bolivia on July 8th.

Said the Culture Minister, "...we will be awaiting the Holy Father with the sacred coca leaf."