It will be the pope’s fourth visit to Asia, the continent where he foresees growth for the Catholic Church in the 21st century.

The Feb. 21-24, 2019 meeting is believed to be the first of its kind.

While he has defended his record, arguing that he removed priests accused of sexual abuse of minors from ministry in Pittsburgh, the cardinal has previously acknowledged that in other cases, he came up short.

Pope Francis will meet with three U.S. archbishops on Thursday, Sept. 13, as the church continues to grapple with fallout from sexual abuse scandals.

Bishops must remember, particularly when under attack, that their role is to pray, be humble in knowing God chose them and remain close to the people, Pope Francis said in his morning homily.

The cardinal council members said that they were aware the Holy See “is formulating the eventual and necessary clarifications” to the Viganò documents among other recent events.