Vatican-China relations

The Latest

Taiwan & Vatican Flags are waving in the sky with dark clouds.

Taiwan offers second invitation to pope following Vatican-China deal

Oct 15, 2018

Taiwan’s government has issued a second invitation for Pope Francis to visit the country, a move which follows new developments... Read more

Pope Francis prepares to board the papal plane, Jan. 15, 2018.

Pope Francis takes responsibility for China deal

Sep 25, 2018

Pope Francis took responsibility Tuesday for the agreement between the Holy See and the People's Republic of China, noting that... Read more

Pope Francis waves at pilgrims from China at the general audience Sept. 7, 2016.

Pope recognizes illicitly ordained Chinese bishops

Sep 22, 2018

By Hannah Brockhaus

After the signing Saturday of a provisional Vatican-China deal on the nomination of bishops, the Vatican announced Pope Francis’ recognition... Read more

Chinese and Vatican flags.

Vatican delegation will travel to China this month to finalize agreement, Chinese newspaper reports

Sep 18, 2018

A newspaper tied to the Chinese Communist Party reported Tuesday that a delegation of Vatican officials will head to China... Read more

Cardinal Joseph Zen. Courtesy Photo.

Cardinal Zen: Vatican-China deal weakens the Church

Mar 8, 2018

Vatican diplomats’ efforts to reach an agreement with the Chinese government would turn bishops into government officials who cannot adequately... Read more

Flags of China and Vatican City.

Vatican-China bishops deal is 'imminent', sources say

Feb 3, 2018

By Elise Harris

Several sources familiar with a proposed deal between the Chinese government and the Holy See have said the landmark agreement... Read more

Cardinal Joseph Zen, emeritus Bishop of Hong Kong, at the Pontifical Urban University in Rome, Nov. 18, 2014.

Cardinal Zen urges prayer for Christians in China

May 24, 2017

By Elise Harris

As Chinese Catholics celebrate the feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians, Cardinal Joseph Zen has asked for prayers on... Read more

How the possible Vatican-China agreement could be problematic

Feb 18, 2017

By Matt Hadro

The archbishop emeritus of Hong Kong expressed serious concerns about a possible agreement between the Vatican and China on the... Read more