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 was greeted by rapturous cheers and applause as he arrived at a packed Madison Square Garden in New York to lead mass.
He was met by trumpets and fanfare as he entered the arena.
As he made his way to the front of the arena, he stopped to greet people with many looking emotional at the opportunity to meet the pontiff.
The Pope is visiting New York City during a six-day tour of the United States, with stops in Washington DC, New York City and Philadelphia.
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.