Roman Catholic leader Pope Francis has urged followers to pry for his old age which he decscribes as 'scary  and ugly', reports the Daily Mirror.

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Francis was speaking in Vatican's St. Peter's Square where he was presiding over a mass of 60 Cardinals from across the world on Sunday.

"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!"Said the Pope. 

The remarks could send waves of fear among the Pontiff's followers about his health as he celebrates his 80th birthday early next year.