Pope Francis admits: 'When I pray, sometimes I fall asleep'

Eighty-year-old claims he follows string of saints who napped while praying

Pope Francis has admitted he sometimes falls asleep while praying.

The pontiff made the confession during a programme on the Catholic TV2000 television network.

The 80-year-old also claimed he follows a string of saints who napped while praying.

“When I pray, sometimes I fall asleep,” he said. “Saint Therese did it too.”

He also said praying should make Christians feel like children lying in their fathers’ arms, implying relaxation is an important part of the process.

The Argentinian head of the Roman Catholic Church reportedly radiates energy in person, but is very serious when he prays, bowing his head for long periods.

It has been said that he is in bed by 9pm and wakes around 4am.

The Vatican said he copes with the long hours by having a nap after lunch.