Pope Francis waves at pilgrims from China at the general audience in St. Peter's Square on September 7, 2016.

Daniel Ibanez
Pope Francis waves at pilgrims from China at the general audience in St. Peter's Square on September 7, 2016.

The Vatican also offered a lengthy defense of the agreement, saying that “processes for new episcopal appointments are underway, some at an early stage, others at an advanced stage.”