This appointment is seen as an affirmation of the commitment to improved relations amidst differing views on church authority and state oversight in China.
Pope Appoints First Chinese Bishop, Strengthening Vatican-Beijing Relations
Pope Appoints First Chinese Bishop, Strengthening Vatican-Beijing Relations
Pope Leo XIV’s recent appointment of Fuzhou Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Lin Yuntuan marks a key moment in the ongoing Vatican-China dialogue, reinforcing their 2018 accord on bishop appointments.
In a significant move indicating ongoing diplomatic efforts, Pope Leo XIV has appointed Fuzhou Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Lin Yuntuan as the first Chinese bishop under his papacy. This decision suggests a continuation of the historic Vatican-Beijing accord, originally established in 2018 during Pope Francis's tenure, which aimed to enhance relations between the Catholic Church and China. Both the Vatican and Chinese authorities praised the appointment, reflecting a mutual dedication to the agreement, the details of which remain largely undisclosed to the public.
Under the 2018 accord, Chinese officials gained some influence over the appointment of bishops, a stance that contrasts with the Catholic Church's assertion that such decisions are ultimately papal. With an estimated 10 million Catholics in China, congregations find themselves at a crossroads—either attending state-approved churches or seeking out underground services aligned with the Vatican.
On Wednesday, the Vatican announced that Lin Yuntuan's ministry has received official recognition from the Chinese government. This recognition is hailed as a concrete outcome of the ongoing dialogue between the Holy See and Chinese authorities. Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry, commented that this appointment exemplifies the smooth implementation of their 2018 agreement.
Research fellow Michel Chambon highlighted the Pope's move as indicative of a willingness to pursue reconciliation with China rather than foster antagonism. This development follows Pope Francis's recognition of several bishops appointed by China in 2018, marking a notable shift in church-state relations since China severed diplomatic ties with the Holy See in 1951. During the oppressive era of Mao Zedong, many Catholics transitioned to underground worship, reemerging only in the 1980s when religious practices became more permissible.
