The Holy See and China to renew agreement on the appointment of bishopsPope Francis and China: diplomatic strategyFor months now, the news of the extension of the agreement The agreement is a secret agreement between the Holy See and the Chinese government for the consensual appointment of Catholic prelates in the country. On the morning of Tuesday, October 22, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian announced the renewal of the agreement.
This agreement was first signed six years ago and has been renewed by the parties every two years. On this occasion, the agreement extends for a longer period than usual, as it will last for four years, which could point to a certain consolidation.
However, the Vatican communiqué, which arrived a few hours after the announcement by the Chinese authorities, stresses that it is a "provisional agreement". The Holy See wishes to "continue the respectful and constructive dialogue" with the Chinese authorities. ChinaThe Holy See has also stated, "with a view to the further development of bilateral relations for the benefit of the Catholic Church in China and the Chinese people as a whole". As is known, the Vatican and China do not maintain official diplomatic relations, since the Holy See is one of the ten countries that recognize Taiwan.
Difficulties along the way
Officially, both parties are satisfied with the progress achieved, although in recent years there has been no lack of disagreements and protests from the Vatican.
For example, in 2023 the Chinese government unilaterally appointed Shen Bin as bishop of Shanghai. The previous year it did the same with Peng Weizhao, naming him auxiliary bishop of Jiangxi, a diocese not recognized by the Holy See. The Vatican protested these abuses, but its negotiating strength with the Chinese authorities is limited. The Chinese government, for its part, has taken five years to accept the appointment of the bishop of Tianjin, Melchiorre Shi Hongzhen, appointed by the Pope in 2019.
The Chinese authorities are exercising increasing control over Masses and liturgical ceremonies, including cameras in temples supposedly for security reasons (note that China is implementing many forms of population control thanks to technology).
Several analysts and reports point out that religious repression in China against the Catholic Church has worsened since the agreement with the Holy See was signed. Cardinal Zen's criticisms are also frequent.
The website of the Chinese Patriotic Church shows quite naturally the interference of the state in the training of priests, which is part of the sinization of the Chinese government to control all religions and to adapt them to the culture and form of government of the country.
