Pope Francis may visit Japan in 2019

VATICAN CITY, Sept 12 (Reuters) - Pope Francis said on Wednesday that he would like to make a trip to Japan next year, which would make him only the second pope to visit the country.

He expressed his desire in unprepared remarks to members of a Japanese religious association visiting the Vatican.

"I take advantage of this visit of yours to tell you of my desire to visit Japan next year. Let's hope it can be done," he said.

Pope John Paul visited Japan in 1981 as part of a trip to Asia.