Christians can take for granted the power of the sacrament of reconciliation and confess while being "unable to be ashamed" of their sins, the pope said.

St. Paul warns of "the risk that our charity can become hypocritical," the pope said.

"I think this cliche must be put to an end: the idea that the pope, who wants the reform, is on one side and, on the other, a group of resisters who want to block it."

Father Romano Gambalunga said that while "Lucia is already a saint in the eyes" of many people, "the prudent path of the church is that she is proposed to all, not just those who believe."

The week of prayer, Pope Francis said, urges Catholics and Lutherans to reconcile and "draw closer to one another anew through conversion."

The pope wrote a letter to young people, saying the church wants "to listen to your voice, your sensitivities and your faith, even your doubts and your criticism."

The group said it "is completely legitimate and authorized" to investigate the matter and inform the pope.

Families need something long lasting when coping with the heartbreaking wounds of losing their homes and loved ones, the pope said.

Although the total was slightly higher from the 3.2 million visitors received by Pope Francis in 2015, for a jubilee year it still fell short of the 5.9 million pilgrims who visited in 2014.

A tractor-trailer veered into a crowded Christmas market in Berlin and plowed through bystanders, killing 12 people and wounding nearly 50.