New fears for the Pope's health after he asks disabled parishioners to pray for him because he is 'a bit old and sick'

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

During a visit to the seaside town of Ostia, the pope asked a group of elderly and disabled people to pray for him, warning that he was also suffering from heath problems.

He said: '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 something wrong with the community.'

He added: 'I ask you to pray for me - I am a bit old and a bit sick.' He then reassured them: 'But it's not too bad.'  

Pope Francis visit the parish of Santa Maria Regina Pacis in Ostia district

Previously Francis has insisted that he expects to live only two or three years. 

He told journalists on the papal plane last year he would only be in power 'a short time'. 

'Two or three years and then I'll be off to the Father's house,' he said.