Archbishop Martin joined with other church leaders in welcoming the new deal as "a balanced accommodation that is focused on the common good."

Archbishop Roberto Gonzalez Nieves of San Juan lives on the northern part of the island, which was spared most of the worst effects of the quakes.

The disaster killed an estimated 220,000 people, injured more than 300,000 and left 1.5 million homeless.

Bishops from U.S. Region VIII -- North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota -- met the pope on the first day of their "ad limina" visit.

The former prelate had stayed a little over one year at St. Fidelis Friary, run by the Capuchin Franciscan order in Victoria, Kansas. While his new residence has not been publicly disclosed, one diocese vociferously declared that McCarrick was not within its territory.

The Catholic Church runs some 54,000 educational institutions in the country, and at least half of them get financial aid from the state.