Pope Leo XIV Appoints First Chinese Bishop, Upholding Vatican-Beijing Accord
Pope Leo XIV's recent appointment of Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Lin Yuntuan marks a significant continuation of the Vatican's diplomatic engagement with China.
The Vatican has appointed Fuzhou Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Lin Yuntuan, the first Chinese bishop under Pope Leo XIV, underscoring the Pope’s commitment to the 2018 agreement aimed at fostering better relations between the Vatican and China. This accord, established by late Pope Francis, allowed Chinese authorities some input on appointing bishops, although its specifics remain largely undisclosed. Currently, about 10 million Catholics in China must choose between government-sanctioned churches and underground worship communities loyal to the Vatican. The Vatican emphasized that Yuntuan's ministry received recognition under Chinese law, highlighting the productive dialogue maintained with Chinese authorities. Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry, praised the smooth implementation of the agreement. The Pope’s decision signifies a move toward reconciliation, as noted by Michel Chambon of the Asia Research Institute, in contrast to historical tensions between China and the Vatican, which lost formal diplomatic ties in 1951.
Pope Leo XIV's recent appointment of Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Lin Yuntuan marks a significant continuation of the Vatican's diplomatic engagement with China.
The Vatican has appointed Fuzhou Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Lin Yuntuan, the first Chinese bishop under Pope Leo XIV, underscoring the Pope’s commitment to the 2018 agreement aimed at fostering better relations between the Vatican and China. This accord, established by late Pope Francis, allowed Chinese authorities some input on appointing bishops, although its specifics remain largely undisclosed. Currently, about 10 million Catholics in China must choose between government-sanctioned churches and underground worship communities loyal to the Vatican. The Vatican emphasized that Yuntuan's ministry received recognition under Chinese law, highlighting the productive dialogue maintained with Chinese authorities. Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry, praised the smooth implementation of the agreement. The Pope’s decision signifies a move toward reconciliation, as noted by Michel Chambon of the Asia Research Institute, in contrast to historical tensions between China and the Vatican, which lost formal diplomatic ties in 1951.
