The Pope's health: I could step down - but not yet, says pontiff

Pope Francis has said the time may soon come when he needs to consider stepping down - and would do so if he felt his health meant that could not serve in the way he should.

He made the comments at the end of a trip to Canada - where he apologised to indigenous people - which involved extensive travel and long days.

The 85-year-old pontiff stressed that for the moment he intends to continue in his duties - and will be guided by God as to when he will step down, if he steps down at all.

"It is not a catastrophe to change Pope, it is not a taboo," he told journalists from a wheelchair on the plane from Canada's Arctic territory to Rome. read more