Pope Francis urges followers to pray for him amidst fears for his health in 80th birthday speech

Two years ago the Pope said he would only sit on the Vatican throne for “a short time” Photo: Reuters

Pope Francis has urged his followers to pray for him as he talked openly about his fear of old age amidst fears for his health on his 80th birthday.

The ageing Pontiff held a mass for over 60 cardinals at the Vatican this morning where he took the opportunity to speak candidly to crowds.

He described old age as an "ugly and scary" word and asked for prayers for his old age.

Pope Francis said: "For a few days now a word keeps coming into my mind that seems ugly - old age - and it scares me. Old age is tranquil and religious but it is also fruitful. Pray that mine is like that - tranquil, religious and fruitful. And also joyous!"

Last year he raised concerns about his health by telling a gathering in Italy’s historic seaside town of Ostia he was a “bit old and a bit sick”.

Pope Francis said in the Roman-built port town: “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.”

He added: “I ask you to pray for me. I am a bit old and a bit sick.”

But he then added: “But it’s not too bad.”

Two years ago the Pope said he would only sit on the Vatican throne for “a short time.”

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

Pope Francis, who rises at 4.30am every day, has kept up a whirlwind of activity since his election in 2013.

But he pulled out of several arranged visits after admitting advisors had been nagging him to rest more.

The Pope has some underlying health problems, including sciatica and had part of one of his lungs removed in his youth.

Vatican observers have claimed he has gained weight since his election and is having difficulty breathing, feared to be a sign of a heart condition.

The mass was held in the Pauline Chapel of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican.

Before the mass, Pope Francis was wished a very happy birthday by Cardinal Domenico Calcagno on behalf of all the cardinals.

The Vatican created seven email addresses where anyone can send birthday greetings to the pontiff, including in Latin, [email protected] .

The others are in Italian, Spanish, English, French, German and Polish and the hashtag for social medial is #Pontifex80.