The Agreement was signed in Beijing on October 22, 2018, and entered into force one month later.

Vatican City (22/10/2020, 18:00, Gaudium Press) —   On Thursday, October 22, the Holy See released a communiqué announcing the Interim Agreement’s extension between the Vatican and the Republic of China on the appointment of Bishops.

The Interim Agreement, renewed today has been signed between the Vatican and China and dealt with Chinese Bishops’ appointment.

This Agreement on the delicate subject of Bishops’ appointment for China was signed two years ago in Beijing on October 22, 2018, and entered into force one month later.
The Stampa Room communiqué states that “the two parties have agreed to extend the experimental phase of implementation of the Interim Agreement for a further two years,” beginning on October 22, 2020.

The reasons for the resolution agreed between the parties.
The communiqué distributed by the Saint’s Press Room follows a long article in the L’Osservatore Romano explaining the reasons for the agreed resolution.

According to the article in the Vatican’s unofficial newspaper, “The two parties evaluated various aspects of its application, and agreed, through the official exchange of Verbal Notes, to extend its validity for a further two years, until October 22, 2022.”

According to the article that accompanies the Sala Stampa note, the main objective of the Agreement “is to support and promote the proclamation of the Gospel” in China “by reconstituting the full and visible unity of the Church.” The appointment of bishops and their unity with the Successor of Peter “is of vital importance for the life of the Church, both on the local and universal levels.” (JSG)