The pope is touring three countries in sub-Saharan Africa, calling for hope and reconciliation. Researchers look at the long-term impact of a papal visit.
Thousands of gatherers on Sunday in St Peter's Square were anxiously waiting for Pope Francis to show up for his weekly address, which usually starts, like clockwork, exactly at noon.
Victims of sexual misconduct by nuns say there hasn't yet been a reckoning for their claims. In part, that's because reports on allegations of abuse by women are treated differently than those by men.
The papal decree also sets up new procedures to hold more-senior church authorities such as bishops accountable for committing abuse or for covering up the crimes of others.
Applicable only to Vatican personnel and diplomats around the world, it is the first unified policy for the protection of children and vulnerable adults. But critics say it doesn't go far enough.
Cardinal Ricardo Ezzati faces charges of covering up multiple claims of sexual abuse in Chile's Catholic Church. Pope Francis has named Monsignor Celestino Aos Braco as a temporary replacement.
Once a top adviser to Pope Francis, Pell's conviction had been under seal in Australia pending a separate trial on other abuse charges. There will be no second trial, so the gag order has been lifted.
At the end of his four-day summit, Pope Francis called priests who had abused minors "instruments of Satan." But critics said his address did not offer a strong enough message against clergy abuse.