Beijing and the Vatican are once again tangling over the prickly issue of appointing Chinese bishops.

In an unusual move, the Vatican issued a public statement of regret, essentially accusing the Chinese government of violating its agreement with the Vatican.

Pope Francis called for overcoming polarization in the life of the Catholic Church in an exclusive interview with America magazine.

Pope Francis sits down with America for an exclusive interview on polarization, racism, Ukraine, Vatican-China relations and church teaching on the ordination of women.

Many dioceses are still without bishops or have very elderly bishops, said Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, but the process is continuing.

Two state-sponsored church bodies in China have elected new leaders, who promised to invigorate the Catholic faithful pastorally in line with the socialist principles of the Chinese Communist Party.