China Cracks Down on Underground Catholics, Fueling Global Concerns Over Freedom of Worship

China's Chinese government is stepping up pressure on its estimated 12 million underground Catholics to defect to the state-controlled church, as Beijing denies reports of a crackdown on the minority community amid tightened surveillance and restrictions. The move comes as Pope Francis has called for greater unity among Catholics worldwide, including those in China. Authorities have been reportedly cracking down on underground churches and arresting priests, but the government claims it's 'maintaining social order'.