Pope Francis Speaks Up About His Early Death and Retirement

Pope Francis has spoken publicly about his own death for the first time, saying that he only has two or three years to meet his maker.

“Two or three years and then I’ll be off to the Father’s House.”

In a press conference aboard his jet Francis also mentioned the possibility of retiring from the Papacy if he felt he could no longer perform his duties. His predecessor, Benedict XVI stepped down last year, an almost-unprecedented move that opened the way for Francis’s accession to the Papal throne.

“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. Two or three years and then I’ll be off to the Father’s House,” Pope Francis said.

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. Today Francis only admitted that he had ‘some nerve problems’, which required treatment.

“Must treat them well, these nerves, give them mate (an Argentine stimulant tea) every day,” he joked.

Although the Francis is 77, he has been the most vigorous Pope in years, his energy proving the key to his popularity. His frank admission and the fact that he had a lung removed when he was a teenager in Argentina may lead commentators to speculate as to whether he has any undisclosed health problems.

SOURCES: Dailymail, Naij.com news