Kabul, Afghanistan ? Under mounting foreign pressure, President Hamid Karzai searched on Saturday for a way to free an Afghan man on trial for converting from Islam to Christianity without angering Muslim clerics who have called for him to be killed.

Karzai and several Cabinet ministers discussed the case of Abdul Rahman, who faces a possible death sentence for alleged apostasy, an official at Karzai’s palace said. But she declined to comment on the outcome of the talks on Saturday.

Hours earlier, another official said Rahman “could be released soon.” Both spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter with the media.

Pope Benedict XVI has sent a message to Karzai asking that the case be dropped, citing respect for religious freedom, the Vatican said Saturday.

But clerics have questioned Karzai’s authority to order Rahman’s release and have warned of a possible revolt if he tries.