Cesareo wrote that this "apparent complacency" could indicate that some in the church think "sexual abuse of minors by the clergy is now an historic event of the past."

The pope’s encounter with the priest-victims marked the end of “the listening phase” and the beginning of actions that need to be taken.

For the first time in its 245 years, Pope Francis has appointed a married layman, Vincenzo Buonomo, to lead the university.

The shooting shocked communities still in recovery from Hurricane Harvey, the parish itself having recently renovated after seeing Harvey's floodwater fill the sanctuary.

The Catholic Church estimates it alone will be liable for about AU$1 billion ($757 million) in compensation.

Pope Francis said, "Sport is a very rich source of values and virtues that help us to become better people."