Pontiff to Catholic Nuns - "I love you very much"

Pope Francis thanked Catholic nuns for their strength and courage during evening prayers on Thursday at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

"I would like to express my esteem and gratitude to the religious women of the United States," the pontiff said.

"Women of strength, fighters, with that spirit of courage which puts you on the front lines in the proclamation of the Gospel. To you, religious women, sisters and mothers of this people, I wish to say 'thank you,' a big thank you... and to tell you that I love you very much," he continued.

The Pope's high praise came just months after the Vatican wrapped up a controversial investigation of an umbrella group of American nuns.