DHAKA: United States president  Barack Obama expressed strong admiration of Pope Francis for promoting ‘a true sense of brotherhood and sisterhood and regard for those who are less fortunate’.

He said in an interview aired on Friday, The Straits Times publishes this report on Saturday.

‘I have been really impressed so far with the way he’s communicated what I think is the essence of the Christian faith,’ Obama told CNN of the pontiff who has refashioned the image of the Roman Catholic Church since his installation last year.

The US president, who will visit the Vatican in March, said he didn`t believe Pope Francis was acting out of a desire to gain widespread approval.

Rather, ‘I think he is very much reflecting on his faith and what he needs to do to make sure that folks, not just of the Catholic faith but people all around the world, are living out a message that he thinks is consistent with the lessons of Jesus Christ,’ Obama said.

BDST: 1625 HRS, FEB 01, 2014