Pope Francis says he is not afraid of a schism in the Catholic Church

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On board the papal plane (CNN) - Pope Francis says he does not fear a schism within the Catholic Church, even when faced with criticism from conservative Catholics about his leadership.

"I pray that there are no schisms," said the Pope on Tuesday, "but I am not afraid."

The pope's comments came in response to a question from a journalist at a press conference aboard the papal plane. Francisco was returning to Rome from Africa, where he spent six days in Mozambique, Madagascar and Mauritius.

A schism is a formal break within the church, usually due to disputes over Catholic teaching.

READ : Pope Francis praises the "invaluable work" of the press, despite his role in highlighting the "wounds" in the Catholic Church

“There have been many schisms in the Church,” said Francis, referring to the long history of religious disputes of the institution.

Last Wednesday, on the one-way flight to Africa, Pope Francis said it is an "honor" when American traditionalist Catholics attack him.

But criticism of Francisco does not only come from the United States, the pope said Tuesday.

"They are a little everywhere, even in the Curia," he said, referring to the Vatican bureaucracy.

“At least those who criticize have the honesty to say it. I like that. I don't like it when the reviews are under the table and they smile and show their teeth and then there's a knife in the back. This is not loyal, this is not human. ”

Francisco also defended himself against accusations by some conservative Catholics that he is too liberal, saying that he is in line with other popes such as John Paul II.

"The pope is too communist," said Francisco, paraphrasing a conservative feeling against him.

LOOK : What Pope Francis said about US conservatives. UU.

"The social things I said are the same as John Paul II said," referring to the Church's social teachings on topics such as economics, politics and the environment.

Francisco suggested that some of those who attack him may have psychological problems and should be treated kindly.

"When you see rigid Christians, bishops, priests, you know there are problems there," he said. "We need to be gentle with these people and accompany them."

During his 10 days in Africa, the pope focused mainly on three central themes of his papacy: combating poverty, environmental degradation and political corruption.

Daniel Burke of CNN contributed to this story.

Pope Francisco