Catholics should pray that they become instruments of unity, rather than division, Pope Francis said at his general audience this morning (short video, full video, analysis by John Allen). Papal adviser Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez Maradiaga has told the Canadian bishops that Benedict XVI "has given us the direction and tools to sail a steady course". John Allen previews the first face-to-face meeting of the Group of Eight cardinals with Pope Francis next week. America magazine's editors weigh up Pope Francis's first six months a week after landing their papal scoop. Sandro Magister describes Cardinal Mauro Piacenza as "the most illustrious victim" of Francis's curial reforms so far. An American priest is urging Catholics to pray daily for an hour before the Blessed Sacrament at the same time as Pope Francis. And George Weigel plants a small cross during a poignant visit to the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania. Follow me on Twitter @lukecoppen for updates throughout the day