In a highly significant move, Francis “officially” presents the synod’s final document, which includes the synod’s hot-button issues, to the Catholic Church worldwide.

Father O’Connor is the first non-Mexican to lead the order that was founded in 1941 by the Mexican priest, the Rev. Marcial Maciel. Benedict XVI removed Father Marcial from public ministry in 2006, after finding him guilty of sexually abusing minors, and ordered him to spend the rest of his life in prayer and penance.

Pope Francis’ much awaited exhortation on the Pan-Amazonian synod will be released on Feb. 12.

“The world is rich but, notwithstanding this, the [number of] poor people around us is increasing,” Pope Francis said. “Hundreds of millions of people are living in extreme poverty, lacking the bare necessities of life including food, medical care, schools, drinking water.”

“I hope the supplies could reach where they are needed as soon as possible, so that people who are suffering the disease could feel the concern from the Holy See,” Father Han told the Global Times. “The whole world is standing together to fight the virus.”

“The pope is an Argentinian concerned for his fatherland and for his people. He loves the Argentinians very much.”

Francis has known him since 2006, when as archbishop of Buenos Aires he heard about his work with street children and drug addicts and contacted him.

Francis has shown a great interest in Iraq and its people that have suffered so much since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.

He succeeds Cardinal Angelo Sodano, 92, who was dean for almost 15 years.

Mr. Pence told Francis “you made me a hero” back home by granting him the private audience.