“From the synoptic reading of the press releases issued by the Holy See and by the ‘Catholic Church in China’ with each new episcopal appointment, it is clear that the one who dictates the rules is the Beijing regime,” says the Italian Vaticanist Sandro Magister. The situation casts shadows over the Vatican-China Agreement.
Newsroom (2-1-2025 Gaudium Press) In his blog Settimo Cielo, Sandro Magister analyzes the ongoing divergence between how the Vatican and Chinese authorities announce the appointment of bishops in China, following the controversial Vatican-China agreement. This analysis uncovers significant political and religious tensions shaping these appointments.
Silence on the Papal Role in China
A key feature of the Vatican-China agreement is the stark silence on the Pope’s role in the official Chinese press. The recent ordination of Bishop Anthony Ji Weizhong of Luliang illustrates this: although the Vatican acknowledges the Pope’s appointment on October 28, 2024, the Chinese media omits this and states that Bishop Ji was elected by the local church in July 2024.
Unilateral Decisions by Beijing
According to Magister, it appears the Vatican has had to “digest” decisions made by Beijing, which often unilaterally appoints bishops without coordination with Rome. For instance, Bishop Ji’s ordination was reported differently in China, showing a consistent trend of Beijing dictating the terms of the appointments.
The Role of the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association
Another critical element in the Vatican-China agreement is the prominent role of the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association, which controls the Church’s operations in China. The Vatican’s silence on this organization contrasts with the Chinese press, which often details its involvement in episcopal ceremonies.
Case Study: The Diocese of Fuzhou
The diocese of Fuzhou, a historically significant region for Chinese Catholics, provides another example of the Vatican-China tension. The appointment of Bishop Joseph Cai Bingrui, who received approval from the Patriotic Association rather than the Vatican, highlights the complex dynamics of the church in China under the agreement.
Co-adjutor Bishop of Beijing and Party Influence
The appointment of Bishop Matthew Zhen Xuebin as the co-adjutor of Beijing also demonstrates the close ties between the Chinese Communist Party and the Catholic Church in China. Magister notes that this appointment further consolidates the Party’s control over the Chinese dioceses, with long-term implications for the Church’s future in China.
Conclusion: Vatican-China Agreement Under Scrutiny
Magister concludes that the ongoing tension surrounding the Vatican-China agreement, particularly in the realm of episcopal appointments, reveals the delicate balancing act between religious freedom and political control in China. The Vatican’s strategy in dealing with these challenges remains a contentious issue within both the Vatican and international Catholic circles.
Compiled by Donna Smolders
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