China-Vatican deal
The Latest
New Chinese bishop ordained under Vatican-China agreement
Pope Francis appointed Father Anthony Ji Weizhong as bishop of Lüliang on Oct. 28, 2024, having approved Weizhong in the... Read more
China’s oldest priest dies at 104: a life of faith amid 25 years of persecution
Father Joseph Guo Fude was one of the few remaining Catholic priests in China who had been ordained prior to... Read more
Nancy Pelosi criticizes Pope Francis’ China deal in interview
The congresswoman from California and former speaker of the House of Representatives said she is “not too happy” about the... 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
Vatican-approved bishop consecrated in Beijing days after China deal renewal
Pope Francis has appointed a new Catholic bishop in Beijing following the renewal of the Vatican-China agreement. 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
Synod, Zen, and Sinicization: Vatican’s China deal sparks tensions
Cardinal Joseph Zen and George Weigel voice sharp critiques of the Synod on Synodality. Read more
China is removing crosses from churches, replacing images of Christ with Xi Jinping
A new report details the Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to “exert total control” over the Catholic Church and other religious... 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
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
Christian population shrinking in China amid ‘crackdown’
This finding, human rights activists told CNA, is not surprising given the Chinese Communist Party’s efforts in recent years to... Read more
Chinese bishop reflects on his experience at the Synod on Synodality
Bishop Antonio Yao Shun of Jining recently said he was “cheered” to meet Catholics from around the world. Read more
Chinese bishops leaving Synod on Synodality early
The two prelates are returning to China because of “pastoral needs,” a Vatican spokesman said Monday. Read more
This week at the Synod on Synodality: Participation focus comes amid exit of Chinese bishops
The Vatican confirmed that the bishops from the People’s Republic of China are leaving ahead of the event’s conclusion. Read more
Who are the Chinese bishops attending the Synod on Synodality?
Bishop Antonio Yao Shun of Jining and Bishop Joseph Yang Yongqiang of Zhoucun will participate in the October assembly. Read more
Pope Francis gives a glimpse into Vatican-China deal on appointment of Chinese bishops
The pope said that there is a joint commission between the Chinese government and the Holy See on the appointment... Read more
Pope Francis confirms Shanghai bishop appointed in violation of Vatican-China deal
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin announced on Saturday that Pope Francis wanted to “remedy the canonical irregularity created... Read more
Pope Francis praises Matteo Ricci for proclaiming the Gospel in China
The pope dedicated his entire catechesis to sharing the life of Venerable Matteo Ricci, a 16th-century Jesuit missionary in China. Read more
