Leo XI pleads for harmonious unity of Chinese Catholics with Roman doctrine in his initial remarks on the contentious matter.
ROME—In his inaugural public statement, Pope Leo XIV called for prayers to foster unity between China's Catholics and the Holy See, as he addressed one of the thorniest matters facing his new tenure.
The first American pope referenced the Roman Catholic Church's commemoration the previous day of a special feast day, praying for the church in China—a tradition inaugurated by his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, as part of his attempts to unify the country's estimated 12 million Catholics, divided between an official, state-controlled church without papal recognition and an underground church loyal to Rome amid decades of persecution.
"On this day, prayers have been offered in churches and shrines across China and throughout the world, manifesting the concern and affection for Chinese Catholics and their communion with the universal church," stated Pope Leo XIV from his studio window during his noontime blessing.
The pontiff prayed for Catholics in China and elsewhere "to be granted the strength and joy to be witnesses of the Gospel, even amid trials, and perseverance in promoting peace and harmony."
Following Benedict's initiatives, Pope Francis, in 2018, endorsed a contentious agreement regarding bishop nominations. The agreement's specifics remain undisclosed, but it grants the state-controlled church some influence over its religious leaders, albeit with Francis retaining the ultimate veto power.
Some critics have questioned this accord, arguing it acquiesced to Beijing's demands and neglected the underground faithful in China. The Vatican contends it was the most favorable deal achievable, and it has been renewed sporadically since then.
Pope Leo XIV now confronts the dilemma of whether to renew this agreement. Some apparent breaches by Beijing have come to light, such as unilateral appointments made without papal consent, most notably before the conclave that elected Leo pope this month, when the Chinese church proceeded with the preliminary election of two bishops.
Cardinal Stephen Chow of Hong Kong—who spoke with Pope Leo after the conclave—shared that the new pope had "visited China several times and grasped the Chinese culture and reality." Chow expressed his expectation that Leo would follow the path laid by Francis in dealing with China. He presented Leo with a small statue of Our Lady of Sheshan, a revered Madonna figure among Chinese Catholics.
Efforts to mend relations between the Vatican and China, severed for more than seven decades due to the Communist takeover, have been ongoing. The core issue remains China's insistence on its exclusive right to name bishops and the Vatican's insistence on the pope's exclusive authority in this matter.
The 2018 accord aimed to reunite the flock, legitimize the status of seven bishops unrecognized by Rome, and ease the estrangement between China and the Vatican. The Vatican has been working to ensure religious freedom guarantees before establishing formal diplomatic relations with China.
Winfield writes for the Associated Press.
As a follow-up to the current status of Vatican-China relations, it is worth noting that the deal on bishop nominations remains in effect. While there have been concerns about breaches by Beijing, the Vatican has yet to make a decision on whether to abrogate or amend the agreement. Dialogue between both parties continues, with religious freedom and autonomy of the Catholic Church in China being key issues
"The Vatican continues its dialogue with China, as the deal on bishop nominations, first initiated by Pope Francis in 2018, remains in effect. However, concerns about potential breaches by Beijing persist, and the Vatican is yet to decide whether to renew, amend, or abrogate this agreement."
"As the new pope, Leo XIV, has a deeper understanding of China's culture and reality, it is anticipated that he will continue the path laid by his predecessor, Pope Francis, in addressing the general news pertaining to the complex politics and culture in California, particularly the ongoing efforts to foster unity between China's Catholics and the Holy See."
