Pope Francis said Christians must ask themselves whether they listen to the word of God or have "lost faithfulness to the Lord and live with the idols that offer me the worldliness of every day."

Keeler was known for his vital role in ecumenical and interreligious relations.

The reflection was issued "in solidarity with those who have been forced to flee their homes due to violence, conflict or fear in their native lands."

The issues of religious liberty and abortion were briefly raised during the Senate confirmation hearings for Judge Neil Gorsuch.

Christians can take for granted the power of the sacrament of reconciliation and confess while being "unable to be ashamed" of their sins, the pope said.

The new hospital opened in a remote section of southern Haiti where residents once had to travel for hours on rutted roads to reach a relatively well equipped medical center.