I miss going out for pizza: Pope Francis talks faith, football and farewell to TV

Vatican City: In his recently published autobiography, Pope Francis opens up about the sacrifices he has made as leader of the Catholic Church, including his longing for simple pleasures. "Going out for a pizza is one of the small things that I most miss," he writes, reflecting on how his life has changed since becoming pope.

Francis also says he has not watched TV since 1990, "to respect a vow I made to the Virgen del Carmen on the night of July 15 of that year".

"That evening I was with my community in Buenos Aires, we were watching the TV, and a sordid scene appeared on the screen, which deeply offended me: I got up and left."

That has meant not being able to watch matches of his favourite San Lorenzo football team -- though a Swiss Guard brings him match results -- among the sacrifices of being pope.

In excerpts from Hope: The Autobiography, provided by the publishers, Pope Francis recounts growing up in a multicultural neighbourhood in Buenos Aires, revealing his "mischievous" youth and moments he regrets. "I remember my sins and I am ashamed... I am a sinner like everyone else," says the 88-year-old pope.

The pope, who has repeatedly urged sympathy and care for migrants hoping to reach Europe, also tells of his own Italian grand-parents emigration to Argentina in 1929.

Holding only third-class boat tickets for the voyage, his grandmother had to hide her possessions in the lining of her jacket.

"There's nothing new about it. It's a story of yesterday as much as one of today," Francis writes.

He also recounts his surprise at being chosen in 2013 to lead the Catholic church, saying: "I had never imagined that the conclave could affect me directly, and in no way could I have thought about a name as pope."

(With agency inputs)