Christians across the world and here in the Valley are celebrating Easter Sunday.

Pope Francis has had a busy schedule leading up to the holiday, but skipped the traditional Good Friday procession at Rome's Colosseum.

Bishop David Bonnar of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown believes the Catholic church will continue to see the Pope's "incredible pastoral vision," one that he feels invites everyone to embrace the gospel.

Bonnar also says the significance of Holy Week is to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and to be a light in the world.

"It's the convergence of everything that we believe, and the symbolism that unfolds is overwhelming," said Bishop Bonnar. "Inside those symbols, it says so much, the water, which speaks of new life and baptism, and renewing our own baptism, the Easter fire, which speaks about how Jesus wins that great victory, over darkness and death and sin, and how we are to be light," he said.

Pope Francis urged his priests to avoid 'clerical hypocrisy' and treat their flocks with mercy this past week. Bishop Bonnar discussed his takeaway from that.

"This message, especially geared on Holy Thursday to the priest is really nothing new. It's been a message that the Holy Father has really reiterated again and again, because he sees clericalism as a perversion as an evil, and he wants priests to know that they cannot stand above or apart from the faithful," Bishop Bonnar said.

The Pope has been dealing with a bout of health problems throughout the winter but appeared strong and healthy this past week. While he doesn't have any plans to resign Bishop Bonnar is optimistic about the Pope's leadership.

"I think that it's a marathon. And I think he's just being prudent picking and choosing what he can do. And when he can't do, I hope that when I'm his age, I'm able to be just as strong and vocal as he is," Bishop Bonnar said.

Bishop Bonnar will be participating in an upcoming discussion looking at the role of the Catholic church in international diplomacy this Wednesday, he says he hopes people will be able to understand the church better and communicate with one another. It will be a discussion about the role of diplomacy in the church. It will be this Wednesday at 7pm at Walsh University.

Bishop Bonnar concluded this interview by delivering his Easter blessing upon the Valley.

"As I give this blessing, it's to everyone in Youngstown in the Diocese of Youngstown, but especially here in Mahoning Valley, I pray that the light, the joy, the peace and the hope of Easter may find a way into your hearts" said Bishop Bonnar. "And may God bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. God bless you and Happy Easter," he said.