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.
'God weeps' for the victims of clerical sexual abuse, Pope Francis told bishops during an address in Philadelphia today.
Speaking on the final day of his US visit the 70-year-old pontiff talked about his experience of meeting abuse victims and pledged that those responsible 'will be punished'.
He said: "God weeps for sexual abuse of children.
"Youth are protected and ... all responsible will be held accountable."
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.