Pope Francis has again hinted that he will not be around long-term.

Francis addressed Italian National Olympic Committee officials and athletes in regards to the country's desire to host the 2024 Olympic Games, and insisted that he would be absent in 10 years' time.

"Dear friends, best wishes for Rome's bid to host the 2024 Olympic Games.  I will not be there, " he said candidly.

"May the Lord bless all of you and your families."

The pontiff addressed his mortality directly in August when a reporter asked how he handles international fame.

"I try to think of my sins, my mistakes, not to become proud," Francis responded. "Because I know this will last a short time, two or three years, and then I'll be off to the house of the Father."

The 78-year-old leader has also expressed admiration for Pope Benedict XVI, who was the first pontiff to resign since the year 1415. Pope Francis said that the Pope Emeritus "opened a door" for others who may feel overwhelmed by papal duties.

"We need to look at him as an institution: he opened a door, the door of emeritus popes," he said.

"Only God knows if there will be others, but the door is open."

He did not rule out the possibility that he too may eventually become unable to fulfill his responsibilities.

"If and when the time comes," he began, "I will do what the Lord tells me to do, pray and try to find God's will. But I think that Benedict XVI wasn't a unique case."

Francis celebrated a birthday last week, and commemorated the occasion by providing 400 sleeping bags to Rome's homeless population. He also hosted a birthday luncheon at the Vatican, and invited four homeless persons to join him.