The Holy See and the People’s Republic of China have recently signed a provisional agreement on the appointment of bishops. The Vatican said the deal would contribute positively to the life of the Catholic Church in China. The agreement, according to the Vatican, also aims to promote the proclamation of the Gospel and to establish unity in the Catholic community of China.
The Vatican has so far not released the full text of the deal, but says it “concerns the nomination of bishops, a question of greater importance for the life of the Church, and creates the conditions for greater collaboration at the bilateral level.”
There have been no diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Holy See since the early 1950s. Officially, China is an atheist country that does not recognise the authority of the Holy See over its millions of Catholics. Instead, it has set up its own Catholic governing body, known as the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association that answers to the Communist Party of China. However, last month China and the Holy See signed an historic agreement allowing the Pope to appoint and veto bishops approved by the authorities.
Pope Francis prepares to address young people during a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican yesterday, on the occasion of a pilgrimage at St Peter’s Tomb. – AFP
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