The Holy Land is reportedly seeing an "extraordinary boom" in pilgrimages in 2018. Malawi’s bishops have launched a five-year strategic plan. George Weigel argues that the reported new Vatican-China deal “violates the teaching of the Second Vatican Council”. Massimo Faggioli says Francis “may end up disappointing those who expect a comprehensive overhaul” of the Roman Curia. Rod Dreher asks why “very prominent liberal Catholics” are suddenly attacking the Benedict Option. Fr Gerald O’Collins SJ and John Wilkins suggest it’s time for the “rewriting or withdrawal of Liturgiam Authenticam”. And Peter Schjeldahl hails Francisco de Zurbarán’s biblical vision. Follow me on Twitter @lukecoppen for updates throughout the day.