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.

A Reflection for the Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, by Rachel Lu

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.’

A Reflection for Saturday of the Thirty-third week in Ordinary Time, by Kevin Jackson