Shanghai, China, Jun 23, 2005 / 22:00 pm
A Shanghai bishop said the Vatican and the Chinese authorities have tacitly agreed to close the schism in the Shanghai diocese by agreeing to his successor, who will be formally appointed auxiliary bishop next week, reported the Associated Press.
Bishop Aloysius Jin Luxian, who is officially recognized by the Chinese government, told the AP that the Vatican has also indicated that it would not recognize a successor to Bishop Joseph Fan Zhongliang.
Bishop Fan is recognized as Shanghai bishop by the underground church. He reportedly suffers from Alzheimer's disease and has been under house arrest for the past five years.
The AP reported that the Vatican had no immediate comment on the appointment.