Meeting a group of pilgrims from the Italian diocese his father’s family came from, Pope Francis said the family “remains a key value” even though it is “a reality that has changed so much and continues to change.”

Safeguarding minors and vulnerable persons must be a priority for everyone in the church, Pope Francis said.

The U.S.-born archbishop tapped by Pope Francis to help find new bishops said a good candidate is “a pastor, capable of being close to the members of the community, starting with the priests for whom the bishop is father and brother.”

Interreligious dialogue requires sincerity and mutual respect to be fruitful, Pope Francis told Christian and Muslim leaders.

When Pope Francis told reporters the Vatican had some kind of “mission” underway to promote an end to the war in Ukraine, journalists naturally were intrigued.

At his weekly general audience May 3, the pope reflected on his visit April 28-30 to Budapest, Hungary.

Shortly after urging people to pray the rosary for peace and entrusting the people of Ukraine to Mary’s care, Pope Francis met briefly with Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, director of external relations for the Russian Orthodox Church.

Moscow is not working with the Vatican to end the war in Ukraine, said a Kremlin spokesperson.

A Florida-based Catholic relief and development organization has been playing an important part in assisting with Pope Francis’ aid efforts for Ukraine, the organization’s president said.

Praising the piety and charity of Hungarian Christians and their commitment to supporting traditional family life, Pope Francis said Christ also calls them to open their hearts — and perhaps their borders — to others in need.