Pope Francis Believes He Only has 2-3 Years to Live

By Alison Lesley --
21 Aug 2014 --

Following his recent trip to South Korea, part of the Vatican’s focus on Asian outreach, Pope Francis discussed his health and the possibility of retirement.

Talking with reporters on his flight back from Asia, the 77-year-old Pope speculated that he expects to live only a few years longer. Francis also did not rule out the possibility of retirement from the Holy See.

During his tenure as patriarch of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis has had to adapt to his new-found popularity. The Argentinian clergyman described himself as “too much of a homebody,” not having left his native country since 1975 before ascending to the Vatican. Although not accustomed at first to so much attention, Francis stated that he was more comfortable with it now and that he was touched by the outpouring of support he encountered.

“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,” the Pope told reporters. “Two or three years and then I’ll be off to the Father’s house.” He went on to cite nerve problems he has been having, lightly joking that he has been enjoying an Argentinian stimulant tea called mate to help treat the symptoms: “Must treat them well, these nerves, give them mate every day.”

Pope Francis also hinted that he was open to retiring from the Vatican as his predecessor, Benedict XVI, had done. In the past, it was rare for Catholic clergy to retire – once appointed, bishops were expected to serve for life. However, Francis pointed out that Benedict had set a precedent of sorts with his 2013 retirement from the papacy, asserting that “Benedict XVI opened a door.”

Faced with ailing health and worried that he may not be able to perform his papal duties, Pope Francis, who only a year ago ascended to the Vatican, may oversee one of the shortest-lived papacies in history. Despite this, however, his tenure as head of the church has enjoyed immense popularity worldwide and has overseen a burgeoning Roman Catholic community growing around the globe. Whether or not Francis remains Pope for only a few years more, his successor will have very large shoes to fill.