The letter, dated December 14 1942, proved Pope Pius knew of extermination camps killing Jews and Poles.
The researchers were careful to note that the scholarly understanding of the role of the Catholic world in the actions taken by Germany’s Nazi regime is unchanged.
The family was killed by German military police for sheltering a family of Jews.
In unscripted remarks to young Russian Catholics in a video conference on Aug. 25, Francis spoke of past tsars Peter I and Catherine II - both of whom expanded Russian territory.
In the 10 years since his election, Francis has been criticized by conservative sectors of the US Church who are opposed to the pope's reforms.
The controversial new policy enforces students using their pronouns assigned at birth and their birth names and forbids same-sex relationships.
The billboard was put up on the Almirante Reis avenue - one of Lisbon's longest and busiest streets - and reads: "4,800+ children abused by the Catholic Church in Portugal."
The Vatican said about 330,000 young people have registered for an event in Portugal dubbed "the Catholic Woodstock."
The pope had decided to approve Shen "for the greater good" of the Shanghai diocese and because Shen was an "esteemed pastor."
The new cardinals will come from countries including the United States, Italy, the pope's native Argentina, Hong Kong, and several others.