Mike Pompeo to criticise Vatican's renewal of China deal during visit

Pope Francis reportedly declining to meet US secretary of state who says the Catholic church too soft on Beijing

Mike Pompeo will visit the Vatican to protest against the imminent renewal of a deal between the Catholic church and China, which the US secretary of state claims endangers its moral authority.

Pope Francis has reportedly declined to meet Pompeo during his visit this week, citing the closeness of the US election. However, such a move is likely to be linked to Pompeo's recent attacks on the Vatican's perceived soft-pedalling on China's human rights record as the two sides prepare to extend a historic agreement signed two years ago.