Chinese foreign ministry said today that it has extended the deal on the appointment of Roman Catholic bishops in the country with the Vatican. Also Read: Pope Francis backs civil union laws for same-sex couples The Vatican had signed the agreement with China two years ago which expires today.

Vatican, China renew bishop appointment deal for two years

The Vatican and China are preparing to renew a historic deal on the appointment of bishops that has slightly thawed icy relations, much to the displeasure of the US.

Vatican and China prepare to renew historic deal, angering US

A Chinese court on Monday sentenced pastor Wang Yi to nine years in prison on charges of "inciting subversion" of state power. The court ordered authorities to confiscate the pastor's property who belonged to Early Rain Covenant Church in China.

China court sentences pastor to nine years in jail for 'inciting subversion'

The landmark deal between China and the Vatican is a win for Beijing, giving official recognition to bishops appointed by the government despite a crackdown on religion, and potentially softening the ground for full diplomatic relations after 67 years of estrangement, analysts said.

China comes out ahead in Vatican deal: Analysts