“If we look at press, we see unreasonable attacks with little meaning, that are ill-conceived and very emotional, if not hysterical.”

In early November, the U.N. Security Council discussed Burundi's worsening violence, sparked by President Pierre Nkurunziza's acceptance of a third term in apparent violation of the constitution.

The church must become "a proactive agent for racial justice" if it is to "remain viable and relevant in the 21st century."

The pilgrimage is among dozens of actions Catholics are taking in preparation for the upcoming 21st Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Many Catholic environmental advocates are hopeful that the Paris summit will result in a long-term pact to reduce carbon emissions with the goal of slowing climate change.

The plan calls for $21 million to be paid to 355 abuse survivors.

Meeting workers and addressing a major gathering of the Catholic Church in Italy, Pope Francis demanded an end to economic exploitation, to clerics "obsessed" with power, to apathy among youth and to a cold, fearful church that forgets Christ is always by its side.