Pope Francis is one of the most endeared Vatican leaders in history. He is compassionate, beloved, and always flashing smile.
Although he is one of leaders of the modern world, the Argentinian pope says he too is being used by his friends for intentions kept secret from him, mostly selfish reasons.
"I never had so many quote-unquote 'friends' as now. Everyone is the pope's friend," Francis said in a telephone interview with Argentine journalist Marcelo Gallardo at local station radio station Milenium in his country. Gallardo is also a friend of Pope Francis.
"I have felt used by people who presented themselves as my friends and whom I hadn't seen more than once or twice in my life. They have used that to their own benefit. But it's an experience we all go through."
Pope Francis also explained how hurt he is by people who only want to get close to him for personal gain. He also called friendship as something 'sacred.'
"Friendship in the utilitarian sense -- let's see what advantage I can gain by getting close to this person and becoming friends -- that pains me," he said.
"Friendship is something sacred. The Bible says to have one or two friends."
The interview took place as Pope Francis is set to visit Cuba and United States this month. Born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the Argentinian pope is the 266th person to hold such position. His visit in the US will include a tour in the White House, public parade, and appearance at the West Front of the Capitol.
As early as now, the Washington government is already busy assuring Pope Francis' visit will be peaceful and quiet. With the fact that he likes interacting with people, House Homeland Security Committee, Rep Michael McCaul said they are doing everything they can to protect him. In fact, they have already 'disrupted' one case.
"The pope is a very - I'm Catholic, by the way - he is a very passionate man," Mr McCaul said in an interview with ABC News. "He likes to get out with the people. And with that comes a large security risk."
"We are monitoring very closely threats against the pope as he comes in to the United States We have disrupted one particular case in particular."
"But as that date approaches, I think we're all very...vigilant to protect him as he comes into the United States
