"My policy preferences are irrelevant," she said when asked if she had intended to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, and she reiterated this same view when asked about abortion and same-sex marriage.

"The desecration of this church and altar is demonic, demonic," Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond said. "Let me be clear, there is no excuse for what took place here. It is sinful, and it is totally unacceptable.”

The four are in isolation while their contacts are being traced. They join three other Vatican residents who tested positive in recent weeks.

The Vatican released a brief video clip of the meeting, a clear sign both the pope and Pell wanted the reception to be seen widely.

The predominant global economic system is "unsustainable," particularly in its impact on the environment, Pope Francis said.

Father Gabriele Martinelli faces charges of sexually abusing younger boys when he was a seminarian at the St. Pius X Pre-Seminary. Father Enrico Radice, former rector of the seminary, is accused of aiding and abetting the abuse.