In an extended interview, the pope shares hitherto unknown aspects of his personal life and his vision of the world.

Francis will be the first pope to visit Myanmar, a majority Buddhist country of some 55 million people

His words would appear to be a gentle but firm reminder especially to the minority of Catholics who are challenging his authority.

“We carry in our hearts the pain of the acts of terrorism that in these last days have caused numerous victims.”

The pope denounced the attack as “a grave offence against the Creator.”

A van drove into a pedestrian zone killing at least 12 people and injuring more than 80 others.