Pope Francis has extended an agreement with China that governs the nomination of Roman Catholic bishops despite U.S. calls to scrap the pact in response to the persecution of religious minorities.

“The Holy See considers the initial application of the Agreement — which is of great ecclesial and pastoral value — to have been positive, thanks to good communication and cooperation between the Parties on the matters agreed upon, and intends to pursue an open and constructive dialogue for the benefit of the life of the Catholic Church and the good of Chinese people,” the Vatican said in a Thursday bulletin.