Pope Francis asks Disabled Parishioners to Pray for Him

Fears for the health of Pope Francis have surfaced after he told parishioners that he is a bit old and a bit sick.

''I thank God that in this community the old and the ill are cared for. when the old and ill are not looked after there is something wrong with the community. I ask you to pray for me. I am a bit old and a bit sick. But its not too bad'', said the Pope.

All this was made known during a visit to the seaside town of Osita when the pope asked a group of elderly and disabled people to pray for him warning that he was also suffering from health problems.

In his youthful age, the Pope has had some underlying health problems including sciatica and had part of lungs removed.