In his off-the-cuff remarks, the pope highlighted the importance of listening.

Archbishop William E. Lori called the meetings "providential."

Since the protests began Oct. 1, an estimated 400 demonstrators have been killed.

The Vatican said Nov. 18 the pope would name a successor succeed AIF's former president, Rene Bruelhart, following the end of his five-year term.

"The Holy See reiterates its position of a two-state solution for two peoples as the only way to reach a complete solution to this age-old conflict."

"We must beware of fundamentalist groups; each (religion) has their own.”

Pope Francis said there are plans to include a definition of ecological sins in the church's official teaching.

The conference, titled "Promoting Digital Child Dignity—From Concept to Action," brought together religious leaders, academics, policymakers and tech industry leaders from around the world.

The pope's warning came as more countries have reported an escalation in anti-Semitic violence and vandalism across Europe.

The synod, which took place at the Vatican Oct. Oct. 6-27, addressed the challenges facing large dioceses with few resources to minister to Catholics in remote areas.