Pope Francis said the aim of the decree is to “reduce in a significant way the danger of corruption” in the awarding of contracts.

The closure of the museums dealt a major financial blow to the Vatican; more than 6 million people visit the museums each year, generating an income of more than $100 million.

Following the apostolic visitation of a northern Italian ecumenical monastery, the Vatican has ordered the founder and former prior, Enzo Bianchi, to leave it so as to "clarify" the leadership of the community.

The pope also announced plans to canonize Charles de Foucauld, César de Bus and Maria Domenica Mantovani.

This week on "Inside the Vatican," the hosts discuss the Holy See's opposition to a U.S.-backed proposal for Israel to annex up to 30 percent of the West Bank.

“One thing is certain,” Pope Francis writes. “Unity is not chiefly the result of our activity, but a gift of the Holy Spirit. Yet, unity will not come about as a miracle at the very end. Rather, unity comes about in journeying.”