LOOP POPE WATCH: China appoints bishops without pope, defying deal

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30 - POPE WATCH CHINA APPOINTS BISHOPS WITHOUT POPE, DEFYING DEAL  Even as the universal Church grieves the death of Pope Francis and prepares for the conclave to elect his successor, Chinese authorities are moving forward with episcopal appointments, defying the Vatican-China deal and signaling their determination to operate independently of Rome. READ BIOGRAPHER CLAIMS POPE FRANCIS NEVER PROMOTED RUPNIK ART  A Pope Francis biographer stated online this week that the late pontiff never — to the author's knowledge — promoted the art of disgraced former Jesuit Father Marko Rupnik. A Connecticut-based priest responded, however, with a list of instances that he said suggest otherwise.  READ CARDINALS IN ROME TACKLE VATICAN'S FINANCIAL ISSUES  The Vatican's financial situation was a major focus of the seventh General Congregation meeting this morning, according to a Holy See press release. Several cardinals gave presentations related to the Holy See's finances. The Vatican reportedly faced an annual operating deficit of over $90 million in 2023.  READ CARDINALS ANSWER CONCERNS ABOUT CONCLAVE VALIDITY  In an unexpected statement released this morning, the Congregation of Cardinals addressed two concerns raised by some critics, clarifying that they will not affect the legitimacy or validity of the upcoming conclave. Here are the details.  READ GET YOUR FRIENDS IN ON THE POPE WATCH  Make sure all your friends get the most out of our on-the-ground reporting and analysis by forwarding this edition of the LOOP to them or inviting them to sign up at CatholicVote.org/GetLOOP. STAY IN THE LOOP CARDINALS ASK CATHOLIC FAITHFUL FOR PRAYERS  The College of Cardinals today issued a statement asking "to be supported by the prayers of all the faithful." The prayers of Catholics around the world represent "the true force that in the Church promotes the unity of all the members of the one Body of Christ," the statement read in part.  READ CARDINALS THANK ALL WHO PARTICIPATED IN PAPAL FUNERAL  The College of Cardinals yesterday thanked the heads of churches and non-Catholic ecclesial communities who sent their delegations to Pope Francis' funeral, as well as representatives of Islam, Judaism, and other religions.  READ PRAY ALONG WITH CARDINAL BURKE'S CONCLAVE NOVENA  Cardinal Raymond Burke has composed a novena prayer for the selection of our next pope. Let's pray this together every day! PRAY WITH US NOW Paid for by CatholicVote Civic Action, a 501(c)(4) organization. Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here. CATHOLICVOTE  |  PO Box 3310  |  Carmel, IN 46082  |  (317) 669-6127