Pope Francis will travel to Myanmar and Bangladesh this year for a landmark visit that is likely to focus international attention on the plight of the stateless Rohingya Muslim minority.

Greg Burke, Director of the Holy See Press Office, made the official announcement in a statement on Monday, also revealing the logos for the trip.

He said the Pope had welcomed "the invitation of the respective heads of state and bishops".

Whilst in Myanmar (also known as Burma), Pope Francis will visit the cities of Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw. In Bangladesh the Pope will visit Dhaka.

The program for the Pope's Apostolic Journey will be published shortly.

On Sunday, Pope Francis bemoaned the latest "sad reports of the persecution of a religious minority, our Rohingya brothers", adding: "I would like to express my closeness to them and all of us ask the Lord to save them and to prompt men and women of good faith to help them and ensure their full rights."

Source: MENA