the two entrance doors to the Rosary Basilica in Lourdes, adorned with mosaics of former Jesuit Marko Ivan Rupnik Photo: Lourdes Sanctuary

Pope Francis does not accept Cardinal Koch’s resignation: could continue at least until anniversary of Council of Nicea

Koch has served as the head of the Dicastery for the Promotion of Christian Unity since 2010, overseeing the Vatican’s efforts to foster dialogue and collaboration among Christian denominations. His extended tenure suggests that Francis values continuity in the Church’s ecumenical work at a time when unity is both a theological and practical challenge.