China-Vatican deal

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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

Pilgrims from China greets Pope Francis during his general weekly audience in St. Peter's Square on May 22, 2019, at the Vatican.

Pope Francis says dialogue ‘slow,’ but only way forward with China

Nov 28, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

In a new interview with America Magazine, the pope said the Vatican-China deal has had failures and successes, but he... Read more

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

Analysis: Is the Vatican’s deal with China at stake?

Nov 28, 2022

By Andrea Gagliarducci

The agreement between China and the Holy See on the appointment of bishops is not at risk — for now. 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.

Vatican says China violated terms of agreement with bishop installation

Nov 26, 2022

By Courtney Mares

The Holy See “noted with surprise and regret” that Bishop John Peng Weizhao had been installed as an “auxiliary bishop... Read more

Cardinal Joseph Zen.

Without mentioning Zen's arrest, Pope Francis says he is praying for the Church in China

May 22, 2022

By CNA Staff

Speaking to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the Regina Caeli prayer on May 22, Pope Francis did not... Read more

The flags of the People’s Republic of China and of Vatican City.

Are diplomatic relations between the Vatican and Beijing on the horizon?

Feb 11, 2022

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Two personnel moves have prompted speculation that the Vatican is changing its diplomatic strategy. Read more

British human rights campaigner Benedict Rogers

Human rights activist: Diplomatic relations between Vatican and China would be ‘totally unacceptable’

Feb 7, 2022

By CNA Staff

The Vatican recently moved officials from posts in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Read more

The episcopal consecration of Bishop Stephen Chow Sau-yan's in Hong Kong’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Dec. 4, 2021

Chinese bishops reportedly met with Hong Kong clerics on sinicization

Dec 31, 2021

By CNA Staff

Four clerics have told Reuters that several bishops and other officials from the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association met in October... Read more