Francis' call for Cuba to "open itself" to the world echoed John Paul's remarks, a sign of the Catholic Church's longstanding efforts to carve out space in a country that has been officially atheist for decades.

CNN: Pope meets with Fidel Castro in Cuba

"Men need to be encouraged to come forward, so if you ask for help, it's seen a sign of strength, not of weakness, " said Paul Rieckhoff, a former Army officer who heads Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

NPR: Military's Sexual-Assault Problem Has Deep Roots

Gun sales, including those of assault rifles, have risen since Friday, a sign that enthusiasts fear that new legislation is coming, the BBC's Paul Adams in Washington reports.

BBC: Obama calls for US gun control proposals by January