Peace, unity and reconciliation also are the themes Pope Francis is expected to focus on in Congo, a nation rich in natural resources but torn apart by ongoing violence.

The Kremlin's ambassador to the Holy See, Alexander Avdeev, told the RIA Novosti agency that he met Monday with a Vatican official to express his “indignation” about Francis’ comments.

As many restrictions put in place for the COVID-19 pandemic have been lifted, some Catholic dioceses around the country are returning to offering consecrated wine in the chalice for Communion.

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

Cardinal Timothy Dolan called the bill “a bad deal for the many courageous Americans of faith and no faith who continue to believe and uphold the truth about marriage in the public square today.”

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