Archbishop Stefan Hesse, Germany’s youngest bishop, said he was entering reform talks with an open mind.

While reciting the Angelus, Pope Francis urged people to pray for various intentions, including praying for those suffering from the pandemic.

In a message read in churches nationwide Aug. 16, the bishops said: “Blood has been shed in an active confrontation, leaving many physical and moral victims, including peaceful and innocent people of all ages.”

To show how seriously he is taking reports of sexual abuse in Poland, Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of the archbishop of Gdansk and has immediately selected a temporary administrator pending a permanent replacement.

Even at the height of Italy's strict COVID-19 lockdown this spring, migrants arrived. The government said 241 newcomers came in March and 671 arrived in April.

The Vatican document bars laypeople from leading parishes and emphasizes the role of priests.