Story highlights Pope Francis returned to Rome on Saturday after his trip to Myanmar and Bangladesh

Regarding references to Rohingya refugees, the Pope said in private meetings he went beyond his public words

(CNN) After a week of taking some heat for not calling the Rohingya refugees by name in Myanmar, Pope Francis explained his controversial decision on Saturday, saying that he did not want to risk shutting down dialogue with the country's leaders.

"Had I said that word, I would have been slamming the door," the Pope told journalists on the flight back from Bangladesh.

JUST WATCHED Who are the Rohingya and why are they fleeing? Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Who are the Rohingya and why are they fleeing? 02:30

"What I thought about it was already well known," Francis said, adding that he mentioned their plight on various occasions from the Vatican.

The Pope said in his private meetings he was able to go beyond his public words.

"I didn't have the pleasure of slamming the door publicly, a denouncement," the Pope said, "but I had the satisfaction of dialogue."

Read More