Pope Francis has told a homeless newspaper seller that he wants a world without poverty. Francis agreed to the interview to mark the 500th edition of the International Network of Street Papers (INSP), which sponsors the Big Issue among many other street papers all over the world. Dutch street paper seller Marc, 51, who sells Straatnieuws in Utrecht, visited the Pope last month. Francis told him: “I want a world without poverty. We need to fight for that.” In a statement the newspaper seller said: “It was so brilliant that he made the time for me and he thanked me for making such a long journey to meet with him. He thought about my questions so calmly. He took me seriously, that was really great. He is such a kind, wise but also humorous man. We had a really good laugh.” The interview will be available for UK readers in the Big Issue on November 9. Big Issue editor Paul McNamee said: “We’re delighted to carry the British exclusive of this interview. It’s a significant interview for The Big Issue and for INSP. It illustrates the reach street papers have and also why we remain a platform for the very biggest global names. Also, as Christmas gets closer I hope this provides vendors with a springboard to sales.”