Pope Francis

The nuclear arms race wastes resources that could instead improve people's lives and protect the environment, the pontiff said. His tour marks the first papal visit to Japan in nearly 40 years.

The new name, Vatican Apostolic Archive, is meant to dispel the notion that the Holy See is hiding secrets in its ancient collection, the pope said.

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.

"He wants to avoid the risk of contagion for the people, not for him," Vatican spokesman Alessandro Gisotti told reporters on Thursday.

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.