Pope urges China's Catholics to unify after bishop deal

Pope Francis is urging China's divided Catholic community to come together in communion, as he seeks to heal decades of estrangement following a landmark deal with Beijing over bishop nominations.

Francis made a special appeal at the end of his weekly audience Wednesday, noting that May 24 is a feast day in China dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Francis praised China's Catholics, "who among daily difficulties and effort, continue to believe, hope and love."
He urged them to be witnesses of charity and fraternity "always remaining united in the communion of the universal church."