Several bishops in the biggest country in Latin America have stepped forward in recent weeks to demonstrate their full support of the pontiff.

Pope Francis urged Chinese Catholics on Wednesday to trust God and make concrete gestures of reconciliation following the landmark deal over bishop appointments.

"Rome nominates, the pope nominates. That is clear!”

“I have never, never given a pardon on a conviction.”

The pope said he knows that young people “are upset by sexual and economic scandals that do not meet with clear condemnation.”

Napoleon’s consolidation of power in France in 1801 involved the recognition of the pope as the “ordinary and immediate pastor” of the universal church—a key component in the impending agreement between the Vatican and China.