On October 22, 2024, the Vatican announced the renewal of its contentious agreement with China over the appointment of Catholic bishops for another four years. This renewal, made public just days after the Hudson Institute reported on the detaining of several bishops within China, signifies the continuation of dialogues aimed at resolving decades of conflict between Beijing and the Holy See.
The Sino-Vatican provisional agreement, which first emerged in 2018, has since undergone renewals, including periodic extensions observed every two years. The now extended deal will continue until October 22, 2028. On the surface, this pact seemed like progress, giving the Vatican some influence over the selection of bishops; China has been granted the ability to nominate candidates for these religious positions, which the Pope would then approve based on consultations.
Both the Vatican and China's foreign ministry expressed commitment to constructive dialogue and reinforcing bilateral relations, aimed at benefiting Chinese Catholics and the broader population. "The Vatican party remains dedicated to advancing respectful dialogue with the Chinese party," read the official release. Lin Jian, spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, echoed sentiments of collaboration, confirming the agreement's extension and detailing how the two sides would continue to engage positively.
The agreement's terms have never been disclosed to the public, fueling skepticism, particularly among the conservative factions within the Church who perceive it as endorsing the Chinese Communist Party’s influence within church affairs. Critics argue it legitimizes the state's overarching control over the Catholic Church and sidelines the underground congregations operating within China, who have long been loyal to the Vatican's leadership.
Pope Francis has cautiously welcomed aspects of this dialogue. During recent engagements, he expressed optimism about the relationship's advancements. "it’s good. The results are good," he told reporters on his way back from his most recent Asia-Pacific tour, highlighting his desire to visit China, which he termed as the "promise and hope for the Church." His admiration for Chinese culture and the potential for the Catholic Church to flourish there contrasts sharply with human rights advocates who point to China's systemic repression of religious freedoms.
Human rights organizations have reported increasing suppression tactics by the Chinese government, asserting the Communist Party's agenda employs various coercive measures against religious groups. Christianity and other religions face systematic control, including the removal of religious symbols and the promoting of state-sanctioned ideologies within places of worship. A recent report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom detailed how Catholic images have been replaced with portraits of Xi Jinping, reinforcing the Communist Party's dominance.
Despite the Vatican’s stated intentions, the reality is complex. The agreement has been marred by incidents where the Chinese government unilaterally appointed bishops without Vatican consultation, violating the expected collaborative structure of the arrangement. Specifically, the Vatican raised concerns following the installation of bishops such as the new bishop of Shanghai, indicative of persistent friction between the two entities.
While the Vatican claims to have engaged positively and to have ensured the regularization of some bishops under this deal, the perception among many believers remains grim. The evidence suggests repression against underground Catholics persists, and rights observers insist the deal does not alleviate the broader climate of fear and control faced by many religious practitioners.
This complex and often contentious negotiation environment poses challenges not only to the Catholic Church's governance within China but also to its moral stances on human rights and religious liberties. Cardinal Joseph Zen, former bishop of Hong Kong, has been one of the vocal critics of the Vatican's approach, arguing it compromises the Church's integrity and autonomy.
Looking forward, many eyes will be on this extended agreement—whether it can bring palpable benefits to Catholics on the ground, or if it merely cements the Chinese government's hold over the faithful. The upcoming months will reveal if the proposed dialogue and cooperation herald significant changes for Catholic practice within China or perpetuate existing tensions and controls.”
