With several of his cousins and their children and grandchildren present, Pope Francis celebrated Mass in the Asti cathedral, giving a nod to his family roots and drawing people’s attention to the root of Christian faith: the cross of Jesus.

Christian leaders should “be courageous and search together” for a solution that will bring a common celebration of Easter every year, the pope said.

Asking the pope for voluntary laicization is unusual, especially for a bishop and particularly for a cleric who denies abuse allegations against him.

After meeting with Pope Francis and other Vatican official, the president of the bishops’ conference said claim that German church is moving toward schism are ‘meant to intimidate us.’

An advisory body to the U.S. bishops has called for the development of practical and pastoral guidance on gender dysphoria to help laypeople and clergy in their ministries.

“The Holy See is willing to do everything possible to mediate and end the conflict in Ukraine.”