Pope: I am like an aged motorbike and do not function well

Pope Francis has used a tongue-in-cheek comparison to describe his state of health, which has deteriorated due to age and illness: "My work is characterised by high speed and my motorbike has aged and is not working well," said the head of the Church at a meeting with the Italian Motorcycle Federation in the Vatican on Monday. That is why he needs the prayers of the members of the association, said Francis.

The Pope praised the association's commitment to road safety education in Italian schools. "In this way, they have the opportunity to make children think, who admire motorbike champions but are often unaware of the dangers." Road safety education initiatives are investments in favour of life, said Francis. He lamented that there are too many victims of road accidents, quite a few of whom are young.

Pope Francis regularly calls on the faithful to pray for his health. He will be 88 years old on 17 December, making him the second oldest pope in church history after Leo XIII (1878-1903). In the past, Francis has repeatedly been hospitalised for several days for age-related operations. During the winter months in particular, he had to cancel audiences, church services and other appointments due to colds or indisposition. (rom)