Among American Catholics, the clergy sex abuse scandal is the major issue facing the church. So when Pope Francis addressed the issue Sunday during his visit to Philadelphia, many were satisfied the church is moving in the right direction.

"His words hold weight, indeed an extra weight seeing that they come directly from him," said the Rev. Thomas Dailey, director of the Salesian Center for Faith & Culture at DeSales University in Lehigh County.

After meeting with five abuse victims Sunday, the pontiff said all victims are precious children of God who should always expect the church's protection, care  and love. Francis said he was profoundly sorry that their innocence was violated by those they trusted.

"In all circumstances, the betrayal was a terrible violation of human dignity," he said.

The pontiff expressed quite clearly and strongly his own take on the situation, Dailey said.

The pope said he regretted that some bishops failed in their responsibility to protect children.

"It is very disturbing to know that in some cases bishops even were abusers. I pledge to you that we will follow the path of truth wherever it may lead. Clergy and bishops will be held accountable when they abuse or fail to protect children," he said.

The fact that one bishop, a papal diplomat, is expected to stand trial for this matter is another clear indication that Pope Francis means what he says when he declared that those responsible will be held accountable, Dailey said.

"And he has already taken definitive actions, both by setting up the papal commission to review these matters, and by accepting resignations of bishops responsible in this area," he said. What it means for the church is that the church will pursue the truth no matter the consequences.

Before Sunday, Pope Francis briefly touched on the abuse scandal in Washington, D.C., where he addressed the U.S. bishops and praised their "courage" throughout the crisis.

During his visit, there was not much criticism directed at Francis until he used of the word "courage," which to some was a slap in the face, especially to the victims.

"The pope angered some by using the word 'courage' the ways in which the American bishops have handled this grave problem, and that is totally understandable," said Terry Rey, associate professor of religion at Temple University.

"The pope simply had to say something on both sides of the issue, and he has, quite eloquently. We need not focus on one word. Pope Francis also said before leaving America that those priests guilty who do not seek forgiveness will be dealt with accordingly. When the pope proclaims that 'God weeps,' we should listen, shudder and repent. All of us."

Rey agrees that the church has been left hurting and those not at fault are picking up the pieces.

"Pope Francis is the shepherd of a church that is full of sinners, religious included, and few ever think of the pains that this sinful reality has caused those in the church hierarchy who have no blame to share, who have tried to keep their parishes together in spite of it all, who have tried to heal and serve the church," he said.

The pope's words will continue to help the church to take ongoing action toward hope and healing in the future, said the Rev. Mike Hennelly, pastor at Queen of the Universe in Middletown.

But it will take time, he said.

"Philadelphia and listing of the names is unique among many diocese in our country and throughout the world," Hennelly said. "The Life of Prayer and Penance in Darby and monitoring of priests is also unique and not everywhere throughout the world. I do not know how Philadelphia structures compare to every diocese in the U.S. and world, but would hope that steps to ensure hope and healing can continue in the future."

In the meantime, Hennelly offers prayer.

"We continue to pray for all those who have been or who are being sexually abused throughout the world," he said.