Pope leaves Mongolia at House of Mercy, looks to ChinaPope Francis, a diplomacy with a view to China?"The first mission of us Chinese Catholics is to show God's mercy and love to all Chinese people. We are very concerned about the needs of society, especially those of the poor and the suffering, and we try to help them in every possible way." These were the words of the Bishop of Jining/Wumeng, in the Chinese autonomous region of Inner Mongolia, Antonio Yao, interviewed by the Fides Missionary Agency.
Born in Ulanqab in 1965, Antonio Yao was ordained a priest in 1991 after studying at the National Seminary of Beijing, where he was also spiritual director. He studied in the United States and specialized in biblical studies in Jerusalem. He received episcopal ordination from Bishop Paul Meng Qinglu of Hohhot (Inner Mongolia) on August 26, 2019. The diocese he administers currently has about 70,000 faithful, with 30 priests and 12 nuns.
Bishop Yao, in addition to being the first bishop ordained following the Provisional Agreement signed by the Holy See and China on the appointment of Chinese bishops in September 2018, was also one of the two "representatives" from mainland China who participated in the first session of the Synod The other Synodal Father was Bishop Joseph Yang Yongqiang, Bishop of Zhoucun. Joseph Yang Yongqiang, Bishop of Zhoucun.
Participation in the Synod
Speaking about the October Synod, the prelate said he was honored by the opportunity to attend the meeting on behalf of the Church in China, thanking Pope Francis for the invitation and affirming that he had "come to the Synod with high expectations."
The meeting with so many bishops, priests, men and women religious, lay men and women from all over the world was for the two Chinese bishops a great opportunity for rapprochement: "Everyone was kind and cheerful. They welcomed us and showed their consideration. They all showed interest in the development of the Church in China, eager to know more and to pray for us".
The mission of Chinese Catholics
Asked what he considers to be the most important mission facing Catholics in the Asian country today, Yao answers bluntly: "To show God's mercy and love to all other Chinese." This is done concretely by addressing the needs of society, "especially those of the poor and suffering, and we try to help them in every way possible."
The China-Holy See Agreement
With regard to the Interim Agreement between China and the Holy See, often at the center of media controversy especially in the Western world, Msgr. Yao confirmed to Fides that the predominant opinion of Chinese Catholics is that it is a "very significant and important" instrument. In particular, the Agreement can be a means to favor "the promotion of integration and unity between the Church in China and the universal Church," in addition to facilitating pastoral work and evangelization throughout the country and improving relations between China and the Holy See.
Priestly vocation
Born into a Catholic family, Msgr. Yao said that he began to "walk in faith" thanks to his parents and grandparents, who were "very devout and faithful". As for his priestly vocation, he believes that the witness of "an elderly priest who has been resting in peace for many years" was fundamental: "His virtues and his selfless dedication to the Church inspired me". In any case, he needed the support and encouragement of his family, which "strengthened even more my will and determination to undertake the path of the priesthood".
