Catholic Church in China
The Latest
Chinese bishop focused on adapting faith to Communist Party ideals, Shanghai Catholics say
Bishop Joseph Shen Bin of Shanghai recently gave a diocesan seminar Nov. 4–6 about “Sinicization of Religion in Shanghai.” Read more
Jimmy Lai’s godfather assesses trial: ‘He’s a real champion of freedom’
Jimmy Lai, 76, was first arrested in August 2020 under China’s newly instituted Hong Kong national security law. Read more
Catholic diocese in China conducts ‘Red Tour’ of ‘gratitude’ to Communist Party
The Yibin Catholic Diocese of the Shian Province announced it had led all of its priests, nuns, and “heads of... Read more
Persecution of 10 Catholic bishops in China intensified after Vatican-China deal, report says
A new report by religious freedom advocate Nina Shea for the Hudson Institute sheds light on the repression faced by... Read more
Analysis: A Chinese bishop takes the floor for the first time at the Synod on Synodality
There has been one noteworthy development so far in the Synod on Synodality’s second week — and it’s not the... Read more
Catholic bishops from mainland China and Taiwan in dialogue at Synod on Synodality
Bishop Norbert Pu is the Catholic Church’s first bishop born in Taiwan and is a delegate in the nearly monthlong... Read more
Pope’s Asia visit draws attention to Holy See’s delicate China diplomacy
As the Vatican-China deal nears renewal, Pope Francis’ Asia tour sparked debate on the future of the Holy See’s ties... Read more
China officially recognizes formerly ‘underground’ bishop, Vatican says
The bishop had reportedly once been placed under house arrest after refusing to join the church officially backed by the... Read more
Hong Kong court rejects Catholic democracy activist Jimmy Lai’s appeal of 2021 conviction
Lai and other demonstrators had been convicted in 2021 of taking part in what the Hong Kong government had argued... Read more
Pope Francis names Chinese bishop who attended Synod to Archdiocese of Hangzhou
The new archbishop was one of two bishops from mainland China to participate in the October 2023 session of the... Read more
Jimmy Lai biographer: Trial is a ‘sham,’ but faith gives him ‘strength’
Lai, the Chinese-born founder of the anti-government newspaper Apple Daily, entered a not guilty plea to charges of conspiring to... Read more
Hong Kong cardinal urges forgiveness on Tiananmen Square 35th anniversary
During the June 4, 1989, clash between protesters and Chinese troops, tanks rolled into Beijing’s main city square and military... Read more
As Jimmy Lai languishes in prison, fellow activists convicted in Hong Kong
Fourteen pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong have been convicted of subversion while billionaire Catholic convert Jimmy Lai, 76, remains imprisoned. Read more
Why the feast of Mary, Help of Christians is a special day for Catholics in China
Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed May 24, the feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians, to also be a World Day... Read more
Bishop of Shanghai defends China’s religious freedom record at Vatican conference
The controversial Chinese bishop was a featured speaker at a Vatican conference beside Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Read more
Pope Francis praises historic council in China as ‘an authentic synodal journey’
In a video message to a conference in Rome, the pope noted that Chinese Catholics have endured “times of patience... Read more
It’s been 100 years since the Catholic Church’s first Council in China
The council had a dual purpose: to initiate the process of ecclesial inculturation and to decouple the missions from the... Read more
Hong Kong activist: Proposed law could worsen religious liberty, persecute Catholics
If enacted, Article 23 would expand the law to bolster the government’s crackdown on political dissidents, which has been ongoing... Read more
Holy See appoints third Chinese bishop in less than a week, signaling shift toward Beijing
Father Peter Wu Yishun was named the bishop of the Apostolic Prefecture of Shaowu (Minbei) in the third appointment of... Read more
Pope Francis creates ‘new’ diocese in China, accepting borders drawn by Beijing
The Holy See Press Office said Pope Francis established the diocese on April 20, 2023, “in the desire to promote... Read more
