Speaking on the final day of his first US trip Pope Francis used an address in Philadelphia to tell gathered bishops that 'God weeps' for the victims of clerical sexual abuse and those responsible will be 'punished'.
The Pope's comments came after he met with abuse victims and the day after he led a packed Mass at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Pope Francis is addressing the United Nations on his tour of the United States.
He has applauded the UN’s accomplishments in its 70-year existence and has spoken about inequality, the environment and the exclusion of the poor.
The Pope has urged action from the leaders, saying they should remember “we are dealing with real men and women who live, struggle and suffer.”
Pope Francis' first US visit has sparked an unexpected craze among Americans - dressing dogs up in miniature versions of his papal garb.
A five-year-old girl managed to breach the Pope's security to deliver him an important letter.
Pope Francis is due to arrive in the US, but he will face a political test on Thursday when he addresses Congress.