China and the Vatican have recently reached an agreement to extend the provisional deal on the appointment of Catholic bishops in China for another four years. The initial agreement was established in 2018 under the leadership of Pope Francis, with this being the third extension since its inception. This agreement aimed to address the longstanding differences concerning the authority over the Catholic Church in China. Despite some disagreements along the way, the agreement has so far remained intact, preserving the delicate rapprochement between the two entities.
According to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, both China and the Vatican have committed to maintaining communication and dialogue in a constructive manner to further enhance their relations. Pope Francis has shown a willingness to engage with China, expressing his desire to even visit the country during his recent trips to Asia. The severed relations between the Vatican and China date back over seventy years to when the Communist Party seized power. This led to the division of the country’s estimated 12 million Catholics into a state-recognized church and an underground church that remained loyal to Rome.
The main point of contention was China’s insistence on its right to appoint bishops autonomously in the name of national sovereignty, whereas the Vatican asserted the Pope’s authority in appointing bishops in line with apostolic succession. The 2018 agreement aimed to strike a balance between these opposing stances, despite Rome acknowledging it was not a perfect solution but the best achievable at the time. Pope Francis’ efforts to engage with China have faced criticism, particularly from conservative circles in the United States, accusing the Vatican of compromising the interests of underground faithful in pursuit of this diplomatic relationship.
This recent extension of the agreement highlights the ongoing efforts of both China and the Vatican to navigate these complex theological and geopolitical challenges. Despite the criticisms and obstacles faced, both sides seem committed to maintaining this dialogue and potentially further improving their relations in the coming years.