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 led a multi-faith prayer service at the site of the September 11th World Trade Center attacks, calling on people to embrace diversity and resist attempts to impose uniformity.
Family members of the victims and elected officials met the pope near the memorial pool that marks the spot where the south tower once stood.
The pope was flanked by a dozen religious leaders from the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and Greek Orthodox traditions.
Video report by ITV News' Robert Moore:
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.