The Vatican will “dialogue” with Chinese officials about episcopal candidates, “but Rome appoints”, Pope Francis has said (full text of in-flight press conference).

Taiwan fears that its diplomatic ties with the Holy See could now be “in jeopardy”, reports Deutsche Welle.

Kerala’s bishops have criticised nuns for protesting publicly against a bishop accused of rape.

Edward Pentin previews February’s clerical abuse summit in Rome

Grady Means argues that the institutional US Church could collapse “suddenly and unexpectedly”.

Jeffrey von Arx, Rorate Caeli and George Weigel comment on the China deal.

And Luke Timothy Johnson reflects on Thomas Merton’s “practice of mercy”.

Follow me on Twitter @lukecoppen for updates throughout the day.I