Pope Francis’ agreement with China (and why you should care)

The Vatican has an agreement with the communist Chinese government regarding the operations of the Church and appointment of leaders. It is no surprise China violated this agreement when it appointed Bishop Joseph Shen Bin as Shanghai’s bishop. The Chinese government appointed Bin as bishop, violating the agreement it has with the Vatican, in April. Pope Francis recently approved the appointment and officially installed Bin as bishop this week. 

According to Catholic News Agency, Shanghai has been without a bishop for over a decade. The Holy See has been in agreement with the Chinese government for many years. The agreement has been evaluated and renewed a couple times since the initial one was created. China is one of the countries in the world that is one of the worst countries to be a Christian due to persecution by the government. Many Christians are considered “underground” Christians and do not make it publicly known they are Christians for fear of imprisonment or martyrdom.

No church is allowed to operate in China without the consent of the Chinese government. The agreement between the Holy See and the Chinese government seeks to provide a way for Catholics to worship without fear of persecution. It is not perfect. The Chinese government certainly cannot be trusted. It is, on the other hand, a work the Vatican has been conducting for years. The agreement does not change Catholic doctrine in any way and requires the mutual agreement between the Holy See and the Chinese government regarding appointment of bishops and church leaders. China, as you can imagine, has not always been faithful to this agreement.

The appointment of Bin as Bishop of Shanghai without the Church’s agreement and consent is not the first violation of the agreement by China. In 2022, according to CNA, China broke the terms of the renewed agreement by creating its own diocese as well as installing its own bishop over the diocese. It created the Jiangzi Diocese, which is not a valid or recognized diocese by the Church, and appointed John Peng Weizhao as its bishop.

As for Bishop Joseph Shen Bin, the confirmation of his installation by Chinese authorities brings his installation of bishop into conformity with the agreement. Bin, 53, was first consecrated a bishop in conformity with the agreement by both the Vatican and China. It is important to note that Bishop Bin’s movement from one diocese to another without the consent of the Vatican does not invalidate his role as bishop. His installation as a bishop in 2010 was a mutually agreed upon decision. It is not his role as bishop which is contested. It was his move from the Diocese of Haimen to Shanghai without the Church’s consent. His history is of a concern, on the other hand, since it is known that Bin has not always been a participant of things approved by the Vatican. According to CNA, he has been “vice president of the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association established by the Chinese Community Party and under the control of the United Front Work Department.”

He has also been president of the state-sanctioned Council of Chinese Bishops. The council is not recognized by the Vatican. His participation in such councils and associations could be a concern for his accurate theology and leadership. It could, on the other hand, also be of no concern at all since many Christians in China participate in things which appear to be pleasing to the authorities to avoid additional persecution.

The Chinese government alleges the agreement between the Church and China prevents the country from installing new bishops but does not prevent Chinese authorities from moving bishops without Vatican approval. It is a clarification perhaps that is needed between the Holy See and Chinese authorities. The agreement was last renewed in 2022. Despite China constantly violating the agreement, as the Chinese authorities are known for in any agreement with other governments or countries, the Holy See said it will continue dialogue with China. The Vatican may not make much progress in working with the communist authorities and obtaining their compliance with agreements, but it is a work the Church is doing to attempt diplomacy for those Catholics under the control of China. Many Catholics worldwide may be unaware of these efforts and need to be educated so that more prayers can be said for the success of this work.

In the United States, we are spoiled with the ability to argue over the definition of “freedom”. We are spoiled with being able to openly criticize the president, Congress, law enforcement, the military or whatever we want to speak up about for which we disagree. There are countless Christians that do not know that freedom. We need to continue praying for those being persecuted for their faith. They are our brothers and sisters. They are our family. They’re the children of God.