Devout Chinese Catholics ponder Church's trajectory, met with sorrow over Pope Francis' demise
Rewritten Article:
By Mary Yang and Isabel Kua / AFP, BAODING, China
In a quaint church, hidden away on a narrow street in Hebei province, a small group of 10 individuals gathered for their weekly meeting, following the demise of Pope Francis at 88 years old.
In a statement released by the Vatican, the passing of Pope Francis – who evoked devotion but stirred controversy throughout his 12-year reign – was confirmed.
Back in 1951, China, now under communist rule, cut ties with the Holy See, leaving Catholics facing a choice between membership in the state-backed Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association or churches loyal to the pope.
Photo: AFP
Pope Francis, however, marked a turning point when he brokered a 2018 deal with China. This agreement granted both Beijing and the Holy See some influence over the selection of bishops in an effort to bridge the divide in China's 12-million-strong Catholic community.
On the day of mourning, these faithful parishioners sang and prayed together in the unassuming sanctuary, where ancient depictions of biblical figures graced the walls and a statue of Jesus hung upon the cross over a dozen rows of pews.
Portraits of beloved saints adorned the walls, and a transparent glass bookshelf showcasing Communist Party texts and works authored by President Xi Jinping stood beside a representation of the Last Supper.
Chenxing, one churchgoer, felt the departure of Pope Francis was like the loss of a loved one; he had encouraged love among his followers, and often prayed for world peace, with special attention to war-torn regions.
Many worshippers were astounded by the pope's unexpected demise, especially after he appeared at the Vatican the previous day, marking Easter Sunday.
A NEW ERA
Diplomatic relations between the Vatican and China remain nonexistent due to the Vatican's recognition of Taiwan, while China claims Taiwan as an integral part of its sovereign territory.
Despite this, analysts credit Pope Francis for cultivating better rapport with China during his tenure.
Through his leadership, Pope Francis was instrumental in redefining and reestablishing dialogue with Beijing, according to Michel Chambon, an expert on Asian Christianity and research fellow at the National University of Singapore.
"For the first time, the Chinese government acknowledged that a foreign entity, the pope, had the right to speak out in matters concerning the administration of Chinese Catholics," Chambon said.
The agreement was profoundly significant for many Chinese believers. A lifelong attendee of an underground church in northern Inner Mongolia aptly named Fan, called it a "monumental achievement."
Fan credits Pope Francis for cultivating unity within China's Catholic community, stating that he consistently prayed for the Church in China and never forgot them.
The terms of the agreement have sparked both support and opposition within the Catholic Church. While some see it as a means for China to exert greater control over the country's Catholics, others praise it as a step towards closer ties between the Vatican and Beijing. The agreement has been renewed several times, most recently for a four-year term in 2024, set to expire in October 2028.
"Will the next pope maintain this temporary agreement?" Fan asked, pondering the impact of a new authority in the Vatican.
THE FUTURE OF FAITH
China's Catholic community now faces uncertainty, as the future of the agreement with the Vatican remains unclear.
"The next pope is free to do as they please, so long as it doesn't conflict with doctrine," said Paul Mariani, a Jesuit priest and history professor at Santa Clara University.
Religious freedoms are guaranteed by China's constitution, and Catholicism is legally recognized by the state. However, rights groups accuse the government of routinely suppressing religious organizations, including the Catholic Church. This crackdown on religious freedoms has allegedly worsened under the leadership of President Xi Jinping.
The Vatican may have made significant concessions to secure the agreement, allowing Beijing greater influence in the Church's operations. Nonetheless, the underground church continues to exist, as faithful Catholics strive to maintain orthodox beliefs while navigating the challenges arising from China's government.
Wu, a longtime member of an underground church in Inner Mongolia, doubts the new pope will maintain the current arrangement, which some view as restrictive.
For Wu, Chenxing, and Jingtu – all lifelong believers – faith transcends national boundaries, reaffirming their commitment to their faith amidst a complex web of political and religious uncertainties.
Enrichment Data:
Overall:
The future of the agreement between the Vatican and China, particularly after the death of Pope Francis, is uncertain and influenced by several factors:
Current Context
- Vatican-China Agreement: The agreement, first signed in 2018, allows for joint nomination of bishops in China. It has been extended a few times, most recently in 2024, with the current term set to expire in October 2028[1][5].
- Reaction to Pope Francis' Death: Although China has expressed condolences over Pope Francis' demise, the government voices limited comments on internal church matters, suggesting continued tension, particularly regarding the Catholic Church's role in China[1][4].
- Regulatory Changes: Recent regulatory changes in China restrict foreign religious activities, further limiting the Vatican's influence and raising risks for bishops who align with the Vatican[1].
Uncertainties and Considerations
- Formal Diplomatic Relations: The absence of formal diplomatic ties between the Holy See (Vatican) and China complicates the agreement. The Vatican currently recognizes Taiwan, not China, as the Republic of China[2].
- Chinese Government Stance: China is sensitive about foreign influence, particularly from religious institutions like the Catholic Church, which can pose a threat to the Communist Party's rule[3].
- Appointment of Bishops: The process of appointing bishops remains a contentious issue. China's ability to nominate bishops, while the Vatican retains some influence, is a balance that may be re-evaluated by the next pope[3][5].
- Policy Shifts Under Next Pope: As the next pope may choose to alter the agreement or pursue a different course of action, the future of the Vatican-China relationship remains uncertain[4][5].
These factors suggest that the agreement's continuation or modification will depend heavily on political and religious considerations, and the future Vatican-China relationship will likely be shaped by many different factors, particularly the policies of the next pope.
- Chenxing, mourning the loss of Pope Francis, reflected on the pope's role in facilitating dialogue between the Vatican and China, expressed in the 2018 agreement on the joint nomination of bishops.
- Experts like Michel Chambon lauded Pope Francis for establishing a significant rapport with China, acknowledging the Chinese government's recognition of the pope as an entity with authority over Chinese Catholics, a first in history.
- In the uncertain future, the terms of the agreement, renewed in 2024 and set to expire in 2028, raise questions amongst Chinese believers such as Fan, wondering if the next pope will maintain the current agreement and its implications for China's Catholic community.
