China-Vatican deal

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Catholic diocese in China conducts ‘Red Tour’ of ‘gratitude’ to Communist Party

Nov 1, 2024

By Madalaine Elhabbal

The Yibin Catholic Diocese of the Shian Province announced it had led all of its priests, nuns, and “heads of... Read more

Catholic Church of the Saviour, also called Xishiku Church or Beitang, in Beijing.

Vatican-approved bishop consecrated in Beijing days after China deal renewal

Oct 25, 2024

By AC Wimmer

Pope Francis has appointed a new Catholic bishop in Beijing following the renewal of the Vatican-China agreement. Read more

Cardinal Joseph Zen arrives at a court for his trial in Hong Kong on Sept. 26, 2022.

Persecution of 10 Catholic bishops in China intensified after Vatican-China deal, report says

Oct 21, 2024

By Courtney Mares

A new report by religious freedom advocate Nina Shea for the Hudson Institute sheds light on the repression faced by... Read more

The Catholic Church of the Saviour, also called Xishiku Church or Beitang, in Xicheng District, Beijing, China.

Synod, Zen, and Sinicization: Vatican’s China deal sparks tensions 

Oct 19, 2024

By AC Wimmer

Cardinal Joseph Zen and George Weigel voice sharp critiques of the Synod on Synodality. Read more

Archbishop Li Shan of Beijing, president of the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, the state-managed Catholic organization in mainland China controlled by the CCP’s United Front Work Department.

China is removing crosses from churches, replacing images of Christ with Xi Jinping

Oct 1, 2024

By Tyler Arnold

A new report details the Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to “exert total control” over the Catholic Church and other religious... Read more

A worshipper waves the flag of China as Pope Francis leaves following the weekly general audience on June 12, 2019, at St. Peter's Square at the Vatican.

Pope’s Asia visit draws attention to Holy See’s delicate China diplomacy

Sep 16, 2024

By AC Wimmer

As the Vatican-China deal nears renewal, Pope Francis’ Asia tour sparked debate on the future of the Holy See’s ties... Read more

Vatican and China flags.

China officially recognizes formerly ‘underground’ bishop, Vatican says

Aug 27, 2024

By Kristina Millare

The bishop had reportedly once been placed under house arrest after refusing to join the church officially backed by the... Read more

The Mass of episcopal consecration for Bishop Peter Wu Yishun was celebrated in the Church of Chengguan in the district of Jianyang in the city of Nanping and celebrated by Joseph Li Shan, the archbishop of Beijing, president of the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association (CCPA), and vice chairman of the Chinese Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

Holy See appoints third Chinese bishop in less than a week, signaling shift toward Beijing 

Jan 31, 2024

By Matthew Santucci

Father Peter Wu Yishun was named the bishop of the Apostolic Prefecture of Shaowu (Minbei) in the third appointment of... Read more

The Vatican announced the erection of the Weifang diocese on Jan. 29, 2024, the day of the consecration of the diocese’s first bishop, Bishop Anthony Sun Venjun.

Pope Francis creates ‘new’ diocese in China, accepting borders drawn by Beijing

Jan 29, 2024

By Courtney Mares

The Holy See Press Office said Pope Francis established the diocese on April 20, 2023, “in the desire to promote... Read more

Catholics celebrate Christmas Mass at the Nativity of Our Lady Church on Dec. 24, 2019, in Macau, China.

Christian population shrinking in China amid ‘crackdown’

Dec 15, 2023

By Zelda Caldwell

This finding, human rights activists told CNA, is not surprising given the Chinese Communist Party’s efforts in recent years to... Read more

Bishop Yao Shun of Jining  and Bishop Yang Yongqiang of Zhouchun (right) of the People's Republic of China at the Synod on Synodality at the Vatican in October 2023.

Chinese bishop reflects on his experience at the Synod on Synodality

Nov 17, 2023

By Courtney Mares

Bishop Antonio Yao Shun of Jining recently said he was “cheered” to meet Catholics from around the world. Read more

Bishop Yao Shun of Jining  and Bishop Yang Yongqiang of Zhouchun (right) of the People's Republic of China at the Synod on Synodality at the Vatican in October 2023.

Chinese bishops leaving Synod on Synodality early

Oct 16, 2023

By Courtney Mares

The two prelates are returning to China because of “pastoral needs,” a Vatican spokesman said Monday. Read more

Synod on Synodality delegates in small groups listen to Pope Francis’ guidance for the upcoming weeks on Oct. 4, 2023.

This week at the Synod on Synodality: Participation focus comes amid exit of Chinese bishops

Oct 16, 2023

By Andrea Gagliarducci

The Vatican confirmed that the bishops from the People’s Republic of China are leaving ahead of the event’s conclusion. Read more

Credit: FreshStock/Shutterstock

Who are the Chinese bishops attending the Synod on Synodality?

Sep 21, 2023

By Courtney Mares

Bishop Antonio Yao Shun of Jining and Bishop Joseph Yang Yongqiang of Zhoucun will participate in the October assembly. Read more

Pope Francis gave a special message to Chinese Catholics at the end of his Mass in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on Sept. 3, 2023.

Pope Francis gives a glimpse into Vatican-China deal on appointment of Chinese bishops

Sep 4, 2023

By Courtney Mares

The pope said that there is a joint commission between the Chinese government and the Holy See on the appointment... Read more

A worshiper waves the flag of China as Pope Francis leaves following the weekly general audience on June 12, 2019, at St. Peter's square in the Vatican.

Pope Francis confirms Shanghai bishop appointed in violation of Vatican-China deal

Jul 15, 2023

By Courtney Mares, Matthew Santucci

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin announced on Saturday that Pope Francis wanted to “remedy the canonical irregularity created... Read more

Pope Francis at his general audience in St Peter’s Square on May 31, 2023.

Pope Francis praises Matteo Ricci for proclaiming the Gospel in China

May 31, 2023

By Courtney Mares

The pope dedicated his entire catechesis to sharing the life of Venerable Matteo Ricci, a 16th-century Jesuit missionary in China. Read more

Bishop Stephen Chow of Hong Kong.

Historic trip of bishop of Hong Kong to Beijing is the first in three decades

Apr 18, 2023

By Walter Sánchez Silva

Bishop Stephen Chow of Hong Kong arrived yesterday in Beijing, the capital of China, amid some tensions between the Asian... Read more

The installation ceremony of Bishop John Peng Weizhao in Nanchang, China, on Nov. 24, 2022.

Report: Chinese bishop appointed to Shanghai without Vatican approval

Apr 4, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

A Chinese bishop was installed Tuesday as the bishop of Shanghai without the Vatican’s approval, according to Asia News. Read more

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.

Vatican-China deal ‘not the best deal possible,’ top Holy See diplomat says

Mar 14, 2023

By Courtney Mares

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher said that negotiations are underway to make the the Vatican-China deal “work better.” Read more