Back in the 1970s I wrote a small children's story called The Polish Boy and The Pope. It was about the elevation of the pontiff John Paul II. My friend Jack Oliver did the illustrations. After I'd published it I suddenly thought it was a bit ill mannered to write about a living person, Pope or not, without asking his permission, so I sent a copy to John Paul II apologising.

I got a lovely letter back, saying he loved the story and blessing me, my loved ones and family.

Now he's a saint.

I like the look and sound of the new Pope Francis very much.