Biden says he's "not running" for the papacy

(CNN) -- While there's still no word on 2016, Vice President Joe Biden confirmed Monday he's not throwing his hat in the ring for at least one position--that of the pope.

Asked in Philadelphia about the decision by Pope Benedict XVI to resign later this month, the high profile Catholic said: "I am not running."

All kidding aside, Biden--who had just finished up giving remarks at an event on gun violence--praised the pope for his "integrity."

"The decision reinforces for me as a practicing Catholic that this is a man of great integrity and looking out for what he believes is in the best interest of our church," Biden said. "I admire him for it."

The pope's decision to step down "because of advanced age" came as a big surprise Monday, as it's the first time a pope has resigned in nearly 600 years.

Biden added he thinks the pope, 85, sets "an incredibly high standard."