Pope Francis is asking forgiveness for recent scandals that have hit Rome and the Vatican.

The pope did not cite specific examples in his off-the-cuff request for pardon at the start of his general audience.

But the past week has seen its fair share of problems: On the eve of Pope Francis's big meeting on the family, a Vatican monsignor came out as gay.

Then Rome's mayor resigned amid scandal and criticism by the church. And recently, a leaked letter revealed grave concerns by a dozen cardinals about the way Pope Francis's synod was being run.

Pope Francis said: "Before beginning the catechesis I want, in the name of the church, to ask forgiveness for the scandals which recently have hit Rome and the Vatican. I ask forgiveness."