Why has Pope Francis decided to recognize a bishop installed by Chinese authorities—in violation of the historic Sino-Vatican agreement—more than three months after he was appointed to China’s largest diocese?

“The Second Vatican Council has given all the elements; there is no new element given by us. Everything which is there is in the council," Cardinal Hollerich shared in the second part of this exclusive interview.

Pope tells Cardinal-elect Ángel Artime that he can remain head of the Salesian order until July 31, 2024, when he will give him a new role in the church.

In this exclusive interview, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich speaks about the synod of bishops on synodality that will open in the Vatican on Oct. 4, at which for the first time women will participate as full members with the right to vote.

Pope Francis announced today that he will hold a consistory on Sept. 30 to create 21 new cardinals, 18 of them electors with the right to vote in the next conclave.

“Having reported on all the synods since 1985,” Gerard O’Connell writes, “I have come to believe that this synod could well be the most transformative event in the Catholic Church since the Second Vatican Council.”