Vatican and China Extend Agreement on Bishop Appointments
The Vatican and the People’s Republic of China have officially announced the extension of a significant agreement aimed at resolving a long-standing power struggle regarding the appointment of Roman Catholic bishops in China. This agreement, which was initially established in 2018 and has been renewed twice, will now be extended for an additional four years, despite ongoing concerns from conservative factions within the Church regarding issues related to religious freedom and human rights in the Communist nation.
During a news conference on Tuesday in Beijing, Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, confirmed the extension and emphasized that both sides are committed to maintaining a constructive dialogue. He stated that the two parties “will continue to promote the improvement of China-Vatican relations,” signaling a willingness to engage in further discussions.
In their statement, the Vatican expressed its commitment to a “respectful and constructive dialogue” aimed at fostering the development of bilateral relations, which they believe will ultimately benefit both the Catholic Church in China and the Chinese populace at large.
While the specific details of the agreement have not been publicly disclosed, it broadly stipulates that China will formally acknowledge the authority of the pope within the Roman Catholic Church, granting him the final say in the appointment of bishops across the country. In exchange, the Vatican has agreed to recognize the legitimacy of bishops who were appointed by the Chinese government and subsequently excommunicated by the Church.
On Tuesday, the Vatican highlighted a “radically changed scenario” since the initial signing of the agreement, noting that, as a result of collaboration, ten bishops have been appointed and consecrated. Furthermore, it was observed that China has officially acknowledged “the public role of several previously unrecognized bishops,” marking a significant step forward in the Church’s presence in the region.
