Pope to embark on most challenging Asia trip, with China watching

FILE - Pope Francis waves as he leaves after his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Aug. 28, 2024.

If any evidence were needed to underscore that Pope Francis’ upcoming trip to Asia and Oceania is the longest and most challenging of his pontificate, it’s that he’s bringing along his secretaries to help him navigate the four-country program while keeping up with work back home.