At the launch of his new television series about The Saints, including Joan of Arc and John the Baptist, Academy Award winning director Martin Scorsese has spoken frankly about faith, redemption and the eternal question of religious doubts. 

The 81-year old, former New York altar boy, whose Catholic background has permeated his films, revealed that Christianity had been central to his life and any doubts about faith were a natural part of the journey.

"You mention Christianity to many people today and they're shocked," said the legendary filmmaker.