The father testified in an Australian court against the cardinal.

"Women are selling their bodies to the Blue Helmets out of desperation," said Bishop Juan Aguirre Munoz of Bangassou.

Francis has been first and foremost “a missionary pope,” who is determined to transform the church into “a missionary church.”

Pell's lawyers told the court that the cardinal plans to formally plead not guilty.

Michigan Catholic Conference spokesman David Maluchnik confirmed Tuesday that extending the statute of limitations is "of concern" to the church's lobbying arm.

Pope Francis and his international Council of Cardinals discussed the possibility of establishing regional tribunals around the world that would judge cases of sexual abuse allegedly committed by clergy.