The theme is a call for "reflection on the current state and nature of relationships on the internet, starting from the idea of community as a network between people in their wholeness," the Vatican said.

The pope’s appeal to Catholics comes at a moment of great turbulence in his five-year pontificate.

In this second document, Viganò confirms what was already evident to everyone: His real target is Pope Francis.

The agreement is a step toward addressing the long-cherished hope of bringing together China's 12 million Catholics who are divided between those worshipping in state-sanctioned churches and the underground priests and parishioners loyal to the pope.

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

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.