Pope Francis canceled his scheduled meetings on Saturday, February 24 Photo: Vatican Media

Italian judiciary rules on accusation of Catholic archbishop in blasphemy case

On March 28, 2025, Judge Andrea Scarpa of Modena formally dropped criminal charges of contempt for the Catholic religion against Archbishop Erio Castellucci of Modena-Nonantola and Carpi, exhibition curators Don Carlo Bellini and Cristina Muccioli, and the artist Andrea Saltini. The case revolved around a painting titled «Longino», which some Catholics claimed portrayed a Roman centurion in an intimate posture with Jesus.