Pope Leo XIV has made headlines by appointing the first Chinese bishop of his papacy, Fuzhou Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Lin Yuntuan. This decision indicates that the Vatican intends to uphold a historic 2018 agreement with China, initially negotiated under Pope Francis, aimed at fostering better relations between the two. Both the Vatican and Chinese authorities view Yuntuan's appointment as a testament to their collaborative efforts.
The 2018 accord allows Chinese officials to have a say in the selection of bishops, although the specifics remained largely undisclosed. China, home to around 10 million Catholics, requires that bishops be state-approved, conflicting with the Catholic Church's belief that such appointments should come solely from the Pope.
Currently, Chinese Catholics must choose between state-sanctioned churches or underground religious gatherings loyal to the Vatican. The Vatican announced that Chinese law has recognized Yuntuan's ministry, highlighting progress in the dialogue between the Holy See and China.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed that this appointment reflects the smooth implementation of the 2018 agreement, emphasizing China's eagerness to work with the Vatican for enhanced relations. Experts believe this decision demonstrates Pope Leo's commitment to reconciliation rather than conflict, marking a hopeful phase in the long-standing tension between China and the Catholic Church.
