The pope’s decision gives the Maltese archbishop the lead role in the fight against abuse in the church and in the protection of minors.

From Rome, Pope Francis had a pointed message for world leaders gathered to mark the armistice ending World War I: “It seems that we do not learn!”

Cardinal Blase Cupich spoke about the synod’s method of “synodality,” the sexual and other forms of abuse of minors, the role of women in the church and migration.

The issues that concern young Asians are different from those of their counterparts in the West, the Indian cardinal said.

Pakistan’s Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence of Asia Bibi, a Catholic mother of five.

The pope urged people "to listen, to be a neighbor, to bear witness.”

“May the Most High receive the dead in his peace, comfort their families and sustain the wounded,” he prayed as he addressed thousands of pilgrims from many countries gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, Oct. 28.

The text is intended as a guideline to be adapted at the national and local level in different countries.

His statement appeared to be a reference to those seeking to divide the church today and those using the abuse scandals to further other agendas.

The cardinals and bishops who participated in the synod may have “a little more wisdom,” but the young people “have the enthusiasm and the creativity to help us bring Jesus Christ to the world.”