“[I]t’s not the end of the fight. Ahead of us is another challenging battleground. We’re now joining the battle in prison along with many brave protestors, less visible yet essential in the fight for democracy and freedom for HK.”

China criticized Pope Francis on Tuesday over a passage in his new book in which he mentions suffering by China’s Uighur Muslim minority group.

China has gained international prestige because of its relations with the Vatican. The Holy See should now seek to obtain more concrete results from its deal with Beijing.

The Vatican and the Chinese government will extend an agreement signed in 2018 regarding the appointment of bishops.

Cardinal Parolin: Every pope, from St. Paul VI to Pope Francis, has tried to resolve what Pope Benedict described as a difficult situation in China.

Vatican officials did not appreciate Secretary Pompeo's public pressure when a meeting was scheduled just two weeks later; some saw the move as political tactic during Donald Trump's campaign for reelection.