Pope Leo XIV has appointed a Chinese bishop for the first time in history, marking a significant step in implementing the 2018 agreement between the Vatican and China. The agreement grants Chinese authorities some influence over the appointment of church leaders, while the pope retains veto power. This move aims to overcome divisions between the official state Catholic Church and the underground church loyal to the Vatican, whose members have often faced pressure and arrests. Pope Francis has faced criticism from conservative circles within the Catholic Church for concessions to Beijing, but the deal is seen as a significant step in normalizing relations between the Vatican and China, which were severed in 1951.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets tend to emphasize the humanitarian and diplomatic aspects of the Vatican-China agreement, highlighting the potential for improved religious freedom and dialogue. They often frame the appointment as a positive step towards reconciliation and reducing persecution of underground Catholics in China.
Center: Center-leaning sources report the facts of the appointment and the agreement, focusing on the diplomatic significance and the balance of power between the Vatican and Chinese authorities. They present the move as a pragmatic compromise aimed at normalizing relations and improving the situation of Catholics in China without strong editorializing.
Right: Right-leaning media often criticize the Vatican’s concessions to the Chinese government, expressing concern over the loss of papal authority and the potential betrayal of underground Catholics loyal to the Vatican. They highlight the risks of legitimizing a state-controlled church that does not fully recognize the pope’s authority and warn against compromising religious principles for political expediency.
