Calling on the world's bishops not to cover up any instance or form of abuse, Pope Francis said the evil of abuse must be exposed.

Francis apologised on Friday for sexual abuse by Catholic clergy in Belgium, saying the Church must "be ashamed and ask forgiveness". He also held a two-hour meeting with a group of survivors, who pressed him to provide better financial compensation for victims.

Pope Francis urged Catholic bishops to be more transparent and aggressive in combatting child sex abuse in the Church during his visit to Belgium on Sunday, declaring that “evil must not be hidden” and “must be brought out into the open.