Pope urges Pinoys to protect children, give them hope

MANILA, Philippines — Pope Francis has urged a crowd of some 3 million people in Manila's main park to protect their children from sin and vice so they don't end up destitute and on the streets.

Francis dedicated the final homily of his weeklong Asian pilgrimage to the young. Today also marked an important feast day honoring the infant Jesus.

Francis urged protection for children so they aren't tempted by sin or the devil or distracted by "promises of ephemeral pleasures, superficial pastimes."

He said: "We need to care for our young people, not allowing them to be robbed of hope and condemned to a life on the streets."