In a press conference aboard his jet as he returned from a trip to South Korea, Francis also mentioned the possibility of retiring from the Papacy if he felt he could no longer perform his duties. ‘I see it as the generosity of the people of God. I try to think of my sins, my mistakes, not to become proud. Because I know it will last only a short time,’ he said. Then, apparently light-heartedly, he added: ‘Two or three years and then I’ll be off to the Father’s House.’
While the Pope has not spoken publicly before about when he might die, a Vatican source said he had previously told those close to him that he thought he only had a few years left. His frank admission may lead commentators to speculate as to whether he has any undisclosed health problems.