Pope Francis has spoken publicly about the prospect of his own death for the first time, giving himself 'two or three years' before he meets his maker.

In a press conference aboard his jet as he returned from a trip to South Korea, Pope Francis also mentioned the possibility of retiring from the Papacy if he felt he could no longer perform his duties.

'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,' he said.

Then, apparently light-heartedly, he added: 'Two or three years and then I'll be off to the Father's House.'

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