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 has received an New York ID card during his visit to the city.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio posted a photo of the Pope's ID card on Twitter. It lists his address as the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City and his height as 5 foot 9 inches.
The ID card is intended for residents of New York to access government services, but should the Pope return to the city in the near future, he will be able to benefit from a free one-year membership at many of the city's leading museums, zoos and concert halls.
The pontiff's visit to New York is part of his six-day tour of the US.
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.