Pope's vow to hold clergy accountable for abuse draws disdain, praise

Luke Skywalker · Sep 27, 2015

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[h=4]Pope's vow to hold clergy accountable for abuse draws disdain, praise[/h]The remarks drew disdain from victims advocacy groups but positive reviews from Vatican experts.

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Addressing bishops from around the world gathered in Philadelphia, Pope Francis said the stories of children sexually abuse by clergy weigh heavy on his heart and mind. He said "God weeps" over them. VPC

Pope Francis greets seminarians as he walks the loggia to address the Bishops at at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia on Sept. 27, 2015.(Photo: Tom Gralish / pool)

PHILADELPHIA — A much-anticipated pronouncement from Pope Francis on Sunday that clergy responsible for sex abuse will be "held accountable" drew disdain from victims advocacy groups but positive reviews from Vatican experts.
At a meeting with about 300 international*bishops, Francis said he met privately Sunday*with five adults*who*experienced sexual abuse by*clergy, family members or teachers when they were minors. The pontiff*promised "zealous vigilance" in protecting young people in the future.
"I remain overwhelmed with shame that men entrusted with the tender care of children violated these little ones and caused grievous harm," he added.*"I am profoundly sorry. God weeps."
David Clohessy, director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, said that years ago the church pretended that abuse and coverups were not happening. The church narrative now, he said, is to express regret for past behavior and pretend abuse is not still happening.
"Is a child anywhere on Earth safer now that a pope, for maybe the seventh or eighth time or ninth time, has briefly chatted with abuse victims? No," Clohessy said after Francis remarks Sunday. "A smart public relations move. That’s what this meeting is. Nothing more."
USA TODAY
Pope Francis in America

Ramon Mendoza, right, and his wife Lidia Vega, of Camden, N.J., walk over the Benjamin Franklin Bridge ahead of a Sunday Mass to be delivered by Pope Francis, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, in Philadelphia. Pope Francis celebrates a climactic outdoor Mass on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway Sunday before flying back to Rome.* Julio Cortez, AP

Bellatrix, right, has her costume adjusted by owner Ashley Spann while posing for photos for pedestrians with Addie, left, and owner Emily Mariani, right, outside the Pennsylvania Convention Center, host of the World Meeting of Families conference, Sept. 25, 2015, in Philadelphia.* David Goldman, AP

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?Allegations of sexual abuse by priests date back decades, but exploded into a crisis for the church in the U.S. more than 10 years ago following media reports*detailing a litany of abuses and cover-ups by American*bishops.*The meeting with sex abuse victims Sunday was not unprecedented. Last year, Francis met with victims at the Vatican. His predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, also held a similar meeting in 2008.
Bishop Edward Burns, of Juneau, Alaska, said bishops have long acknowledged “the sacred has been twisted by evil.” Still, he said, the pope’s message on clergy abuse was significant.
“What we saw today … was a very clear call —*one of accountability,” said Burns, who serves on the church’s bishops committee on child and youth protection.
USA TODAY
Pope Francis vows to hold clergy accountable for sex abuse

Father James Bretzke, a theology professor at*Boston College, said his view on the pope's comments is that more bishops may be punished for failure to take prompt, firm action in sex abuse cases. Three have been forced to resign in recent months amid controversy over handling of abuse cases.
"They*will not likely be the only bishops punished for their lamentable lack of pastoral oversight," Bretzke said. "There is no free pass, especially for those charged with being shepherds of the people."
John Thavis, a former Catholic News Service reporter and author of*The Vatican Diaries, also said he was encouraged by the pope's statement.
"The pope promises accountability, which has been the missing element in the Vatican's approach to sexual abuse," Thavis said. "He is delivering on this issue, too, having announced the establishment of a tribunal at the Vatican that will judge bishops who have failed to protect children."
USA TODAY
Where is Pope Francis? A schedule of his U.S. visit

Pope Francis speaks to international bishops at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Sept. 27, 2015 in Wynnewood, Pa.*(Photo: Drew Angerer, Getty Images)

The Vatican said the pope listened to the victims' stories and prayed with them. Francis*told the group he was "profoundly sorry" for what they went through and*thanked them for ensuring the tragic crimes were revealed.*At the end of the meeting, Francis blessed them all, the Vatican said in a statement.
"Those who have survived have become true heralds of mercy," Francis told the bishops.*"Humbly, we owe each of them our gratitude for their courage."
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, archbishop of Galveston-Houston and the vice president of the*U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said the pope's remarks underscore*the focus the church needs to have on the issue.
"I thought it (comment on abuse) was very good," DiNardo said.*"A good deal of work is already going on in our church. The pope was very clear on what he sees as necessary to do. l support him."
USA TODAY
Pope Francis delivers off-the-cuff riff on family life

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESCrowds Greet Pope at Independence Hall | 01:21Thousands lined the streets of Philadelphia Saturday afternoon as Pope Francis made his way from a suburban seminary to Independence Hall. Francis will give a speech about religious freedom and immigration at the historic site. (Sept. 26) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESFaithful Flock Outside Philly Cathedral for Pope | 01:05Thousands of people have gathered around the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia where Pope Francis celebrated Mass in front of 1,600 people. (Sept. 26) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis Serenaded By Seminarians | 01:22Pope Francis was serenaded by a group of about 150 seminarians after arriving at the seminary where he will stay while visiting Philadelphia. (Sept. 26) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis holds mass in Philadelphia | 01:20While celebrating mass in Philadelphia, Pope Francis recalled a local saint's exchange with one of his papal predecessors and reminded parishioners of their duty to build up the church "as best we can." VPC

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Celebrates Mass In Philadelphia | 01:28Pope Francis celebrates Mass in front of 1,600 people at Philadelphia's Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul on Saturday. (Sept. 26) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis stops Fiat to bless disabled boy | 00:40Pope Francis had just landed in Philadelphia and was leaving the airport for mass, when he spotted a boy in a wheelchair and stopped to kiss and bless him. VPC

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis Arrives in Philadelphia | 01:17Pope Francis arrived in Philadelphia Saturday morning -- the final stop in his landmark first visit to the United States. While departing, he stopped his motorcade to bless a child on the tarmac. (Sept. 26) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope: Church's Future Depends On Laity, Women | 01:32Pope Francis says the future of the church depends on an increased role for the laity, and valuing the "immense contribution" of women. (Sept. 26) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis outlines his 3 minimum rights of life | 00:56Pope Francis addresses world leaders at the United Nations about freedoms and rights of life.

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope: Harm to environment is harm to humanity | 01:38Pope Francis speaks to the United Nations about the importance of protecting the environment. VPC

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESKids serenade Pope 'for peace' during UN visit | 00:56A small group of children sings to Pope Francis before he addresses the United Nations. VPC

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City | 01:52Pope Francis arrived at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York where he lead mass Thursday night. Video by Michael Monday & Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESSpectators at the Capitol watch Pope Francis | 02:32Spectators outside the United States Capitol building watch Pope Francis as he addresses members of Congress. Kaveh Rezaei for USA TODAY

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis arrives at St. Patrick's Cathedral | 01:58Pope Francis arrived at St. Patrick's Cathedral for evening mass on his first stop in New York City. Video by Michael Monday, USA TODAY

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Departs Andrews Air Force Base for New York | 00:57Pope Departs Andrews Air Force Base for New York AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis Makes History, Wraps Up DC Visit | 02:12On his final day in Washington, Pope Francis spoke to the haves and have-nots Thursday, addressing a historic joint session of Congress and wrapping his visit up by helping to serve homeless people lunch. (Sept. 24) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis hugs and kisses Americans | 01:03"Buenos Dias" America. Pope Francis is in the U.S. for a 6-day, 3-city visit and is somewhat famous for breaking from script to pose for selfies, embrace the faithful and kiss and bless children. USA TODAY

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESSights and sounds of Pope Francis on Capitol Hill | 01:25Thousands of visitors have come to Washington, D.C. to see and hear Pope Francis. The crowd on Capitol Hill watched the pope's speech to Congress via video. USA TODAY

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope praises Dorothy Day, but who is she? | 01:25Pope Francis praised the work of four individuals during his speech to Congress, including Dorothy Day. So who is she?
Video provided by Newsy Newslook

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis Delivers Historic Speech to Congress | 03:45Fresh from enrapturing crowds all over Washington, Pope Francis is bringing his message of humility and hope to Capitol Hill as he becomes the first pontiff in history to speak to a joint meeting of Congress. (Sept. 24) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis: We should follow great Americans' example | 02:21Pope Francis referenced protectors of human rights, like Abraham Lincoln and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in his speech to Congress.

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Arrives At St. Patrick's Catholic Church | 01:17Pope Francis entered St. Patrick's Catholic Church in downtown Washington to address one of the smallest gatherings of his U.S. visit. (Sept. 24) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis to Homeless: 'Prayer Unites Us' | 01:48Pope Francis urges faithful to pursue prayer in the hopes of unifying all classes as a brotherhood. (Sept. 24) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Visits Father Serra Statue, Speaks to Crowd | 02:34Following his historic address to Congress, Pope Francis visited a statue of Father Serra and then spoke from a balcony to the tens of thousands of people gathered on the front lawn of the Capitol. (Sept. 24) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESCrowds Rejoice Pope's Address to Congress | 01:31Following Pope Francis' landmark speech to a joint session of Congress, spectators at the Capitol said they were impressed by the pontiff's message. (Sept. 24) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESFamily Travels 13,000 Miles to See Pope in Pa. | 01:12A family from Argentina traveling to see the pope in Philadelphia has arrived after a 13,000-mile trip in a van. They left Buenos Aires more than six months ago. (Sept. 24) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis: Worst refugee crisis since World War II | 02:03Pope Francis urged Congress to treat refugees not as number, but as people, during his address to a joint session. VPC

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Calls for Abolition of Death Penalty | 03:22Speaking to Congress, Pope Francis is calling for an end to the death penalty in the U.S. and across the world as well as abolishing the arms trade. (Sept. 24) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis: America continues to be a land of dreams | 00:59In his speech to the U.S. congress, Pope Francis referenced the march from Selma to Montgomery to illustrate how America "continues to be for many, a land of dreams." VPC

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope: Thomas Merton remains a spiritual inspiration | 02:15In a historic speech to the U.S. Congress, Pope Francis called Thomas Merton a spiritual inspiration. VPC

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Arrives at Capitol for Historic Speech | 02:15Fresh from enrapturing crowds all over Washington, Pope Francis is bringing his message of humility and hope to Capitol Hill as he becomes the first pontiff in history to speak to a joint meeting of Congress. (Sept. 24) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis Concludes First Mass in the US | 01:23Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, an 18th-century missionary who brought Catholicism to California, during a Mass outside the Basilica. In his homily, Francis defended Serra, but many Native Americans say he wiped out native populations. (Sept. AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESLittle Girl Shares Immigration Message with Pope | 01:44A girl who met Pope Francis during his parade in Washington shared a message about immigration in a letter to him. Sophie Cruz got beyond a barricade and approached the popemobile. She and her father later spoke with the AP. (Sept. 23) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis Tackles Issues, Embraces Crowds | 02:04Pope Francis forged common cause Wednesday with President Barack Obama on climate change, immigration and inequality, as the popular pontiff signaled he would not sidestep issues that have deeply divided Americans. (Sept. 23) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis Celebrates First U.S. Mass | 02:31Some 25,000 worshipers joined Pope Francis as he celebrated the first Holy Mass of Canonization on U.S. soil outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. (Sept. 23) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis Canonizes Missionary Junipero Serra | 00:52Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, an 18th-century missionary who brought Catholicism to California, during a Mass outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, the first canonization on U.S. soil. (Sept AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESIf you could, what would you ask Pope Francis? | 00:53What does it mean to get the chance to see Pope Francis? What kinds of things would you ask him? We asked people along the parade route to tell us what they would ask the Pontiff. USA TODAY

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESMartin O'Malley on Pope and Democrats | 06:19Former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley speaks with USA TODAY's Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page in this week's Capital Download. USA TODAY

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis charms D.C. parade crowd | 01:35Thousands of people gathered to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis as he paraded through downtown Washington after meeting with President Obama at the White House. USA

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESDC Crowds Cheer, Pope Calls for Climate Action | 02:30Plunging headlong into the issues of the day, Pope Francis opened his visit to the United States with a strong call for action to combat climate change. (Sept. 23) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESThousands gather for historic Pope Francis visit | 02:10They came from all over the United States to Washington D.C. to hold their place along the parade route in the hopes of getting to see Pope Francis. Some Catholic, some not, but all just wanted to take part in this historic event. USA TODAY

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESTrying for a glimpse of Pope Francis | 01:21Thousands gathered along the parade route to get a glimpse at Pope Francis as he makes his historic visit to the United States starting in Washington, D.C. USA TODAY

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESRaw: Huge Crowd Greets Pope Francis Before Mass | 01:48Huge crowds greeted Pope Francis as he made his way to the nation's largest Catholic church. The pope will celebrate a canonization Mass outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. (Sept. 23) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis Speaks on Behalf of Immigrants | 01:59Pope Francis is strongly encouraging U.S. bishops to embrace immigration and welcome even more foreigners coming across the border. Francis made the remarks at a conference of bishops at St. Matthew's Cathedral. (Sept. 23) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis Returns to D.C. Residence | 01:34Pope Francis returned to his residence in Washington for a brief break during his first full day in Washington D.C. (Sept. 23) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESRaw: Girl Passes Barricade, Greets Pope Francis | 00:33During Pope Francis' short parade around the White House, a young girl carrying a yellow banner got inside the police barricade holding the crowds back and tried to approach the popemobile. (Sept. 23) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESThousands Pack Pope Parade Route in Washington | 01:14Cheering crowds jammed a parade route through Washington Wednesday hoping to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis. Many Catholics said his message was good for the future of the church. (Sept. 23) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis stops D.C. parade to kiss baby | 01:13Thousands line the street around the White House to see Pope Francis. The pontiff stops at one point to kiss a baby. (Sept. 23) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope held sick baby, and what happened next is amazing | 01:50"The pope healed our baby's heart." Lynn Cassidy has no other words to explain what happened to her 3-month-old daughter Ave after the baby was held by Pope Francis. VPC

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESObama Meets Pope Francis In Oval Office | 02:14After a ceremonial White House welcome, President Barak Obama holds talks with Pope Francis in the Oval Office. (Sept. 23) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESObama Welcomes Pope Francis to White House | 02:32Mustering all the pageantry the White House has to offer, President Barack Obama welcomed Pope Francis to Washington on Wednesday and credited the pontiff for setting a moral example that is "shaking us out of our complacency" with his reminders to AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Calls For Action on Climate Change | 01:33Pope Francis waded into the hot-button political issue of climate change in remarks at the White House, where President Barack Obama and a crowd of thousands welcomed him. (Sept. 23) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Frances Heads to White House | 01:40Pope Francis left the Apostolic Nunciature to meet with President Barack Obama at the White House. (Sept. 23) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope finds Obama's climate change agenda 'encouraging' | 03:13President Obama welcomed Pope Francis to the White House during the first full day of the pontiff's first trip to the United States. VPC

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Greets Crowd Before White House Visit | 01:11Pope Francis greeted a cheering crowd outside the Apostolic Nunciature before making his way to the White House Wednesday morning. (Sept. 23) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis kicks off trip to U.S. | 01:44Pope Francis kicked-off a trip to the United States, landing at Andrews Air Force Base and heading to the Vatican Embassy. The six day tour will include a number of big events, including a first-ever address to a joint session of congress. (Sept. 22) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis makes his way into D.C. in Fiat | 01:08The Pontiff arrives at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland before making his way into DC in an Italian Fiat Popemobile. (Sept 22) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis Arrives at Vatican Embassy | 01:02A group of children greeted Pope Francis at the Apostolic Nunciature where he will be staying during his vist in Washington. (Sept. 22) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis greeted by Obama family after landing | 00:51Pope Francis arrived in the U.S. and was greeted by cheering crowds and the Obama family. VPC

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis Lands in US, Starts DC Visit | 01:58Pope Francis landed at Joint Base Andrews air base in Maryland, marking the official start of his visit to the United States on Tuesday. (Sept. 22) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis Departs Cuba for U.S. | 01:26Pope Francis left Cuba on Tuesday for his first trip to the U.S., wrapping up a four-day visit to the communist island with an appeal to the people to rediscover their Catholic heritage and live a "revolution of tenderness." (Sept. 22) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESTwitter creates special Pope Francis emojis | 01:11In honor of Pope Francis' historic visit to the U.S., Twitter unveiled special Pope themed emojis. Leigh Scheps (@LeighTVReporter) explains how they work. Buzz60

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESSee the weirdest Pope memorabilia you can buy | 01:20Pope Francis is coming to America Tuesday, and some people are looking to cash in on his first visit to the U.S. Time

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESNavy ship bunks made available to papal pilgrims | 01:12Lodging is at a premium as Pope Francis comes to Philadelphia, but there's one place with plenty of vacancies that will provide a cool experience to boot. VPC

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPriest inspired by Pope John Paul II knows power of papal visit | 01:33Rev. Peter Mussett didn't always want to be a priest. He was a "punk rock kid" when Pope John Paul II visited his hometown and changed the trajectory of his life years ago. As Pope Francis makes his first visit to the U.S., Mussett is praying for ot VPC

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESThe Pope is coming to America, and it's really expensive | 01:42Pope Francis' visit to the U.S. will be expensive. He will likely help local economies, but security costs and shipping delays are also anticipated.
Video provided by Newsy Newslook

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESLutheran mayor has no idea why he gets to see Pope Francis | 01:34A Minnesota mayor can't figure out why the White House sent him a personal invitation to see Pope Francis with President Obama, but he's not passing up the rare opportunity.

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESGet a sneak peek of Pope Francis' first visit to U.S. | 02:22Pope Francis will till tour many churches and the 9/11 memorial during his first visit to the U.S. VPC

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESThe Pope and Presidents, a history of meetings | 01:58Few relationships in U.S. political history have changed more over time than that between presidents and popes.
Once avoided, meetings wth popes are now obligatory for American presidents, the latest being the Sept. 23 sit-down at the White House b Wochit

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESThese kindergartners may know more about the Pope than you | 01:33Some kindergarteners spill some quirky facts about Pope Francis. VPC

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESThe Pope is visiting this historic Philadelphia church | 00:30Pope Francis' visit to the United States will include stops at four historic Catholic churches in D.C., New York City and Philadelphia. Here is a closer look at one of the churches he is visiting. VPC

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis will visit these 4 U.S. churches | 02:08Pope Francis' visit to the United States will include stops at four historic Catholic churches in D.C., New York City and Philadelphia. VPC

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESCongress Prepares to Welcome Pope Francis | 02:37Congress faces a delicate balancing act as it prepares to receive Pope Francis, a pontiff who has weighed in on some of the biggest issues of the day, but has never fit neatly into one political ideology. (Sept. 21) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis: 'See you in Philadelphia.' | 00:22In a videotaped message released Monday by the Vatican, Pope Francis, speaking in English, personally invites pilgrims to join him in Pennsylvania. (Sept. 21) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope Francis to visit Catholic Charities' clients | 00:59Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington serves dinner to the homeless. Pope Francis is scheduled to bless the food on Sept. 24, 2015. USA TODAY

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope visiting historic Catholic church in D.C. | 00:46Pope Francis' visit to the United States will include stops at four historic Catholic churches in D.C., New York City and Philadelphia. Here is a closer look at one of the churches he is visiting. VPC

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope visiting largest Catholic church in North America | 00:38Pope Francis' visit to the United States will include stops at four historic Catholic churches in D.C., New York City and Philadelphia. Here is a closer look at one of the churches he is visiting. VPC

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESCongress Prepares to Welcome Pope Francis | 02:38Congress faces a delicate balancing act as it prepares to receive Pope Francis, a pontiff who has weighed in on some of the biggest issues of the day, but has never fit neatly into one political ideology. (Sept. 21) AP

POPE FRANCIS' TRIP TO THE UNITED STATESPope visiting St. Patrick's Cathedral in NYC | 00:31Pope Francis' visit to the United States will include stops at four historic Catholic churches in D.C., New York City and Philadelphia. Here is a closer look at one of the churches he is visiting. VPC

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Pope's vow to hold clergy accountable for abuse draws disdain, praise

Luke Skywalker

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