Pope Francis relates to the elderly and asks for prayers

During a special speech for the sick and elderly, Pope Francis says he, too, is old and ailing.

During Pope Francis' meeting with the elderly and sick at the Roman Parish of the Queen of Peace, he related with them and asked them to pray for him, as he is aging, too. Aired on the Catholic channel TV 2000, the Pope told his audience he is also getting old and wailing. During his speech, he related Jesus' suffering to those of the sick.
 

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - "I'm a little old and a little sick, but not too much," Pope Francis said jokingly during the conclusion of his speech, prompting his audience to cheer and applaud. The 78-year-old Pope previously expressed he believes his time serving as the leader of the Catholic Church will be brief.

"I have the feeling that my pontificate will be brief - four or five years, even two or three. Two have already passed," said Pope Francis during an interview by a Mexican reporter.

Despite his seemingly good health and vigor, the Pontiff has cited the case of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, who stepped down in 2013 due to failing health and old age. Now referred to as Pope Emeritus, Benedict is the first Pope in six centuries to step down from his pontificate instead of being replaced after death.

Pope Francis explained that Benedict's move should not be perceived as "an exception, but an institution," as according to Yahoo News.

During the Mass, Pope Francis focused his homily on Jesus' words during the Last Supper. "To remain in Jesus means to be united to Him, to receive life from Him, to receive love from Him, to receive the Holy Spirit from Him."

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