A Vatican-China agreement could cause a schism, prominent Catholics have claimed in an open letter. Metropolitan Hilarion has accused the US Treasury of “direct interference” in Russia’s electoral process. Malaysia’s bishops are “happy with the direction” taken by Pope Francis, conference president Bishop Sebastian Francis has said. The Order of Malta is holding a three-day meeting on constitutional reform. Tom Plates argues that the Holy See is right to seek a deal with China (Fr Drew Christiansen SJ). Mollie Wilson O'Reilly urges Francis to “stop making every pope a saint”. And Sister Theresa Aletheia Noble offers advice for Lent. Follow me on Twitter @lukecoppen for updates throughout the day.