Pope says attacks by US Catholic critics an 'honour'

Pope Francis described attacks on him by ultra-conservative US Catholics Wednesday as an "honour", minimising efforts by rebels to besmirch his papacy.The ultra-conservative wing of the church in the United States frequently takes aim at Francis, saying he is not outspoken enough on abortion, too compassionate towards homosexuals and divorcees, and too accommodating towards Muslims."The American attacks on me are an honour," the Argentine -- elected in 2010 as the world's first Latin American po