Pope Francis Approves New Bishop of Shanghai Amid Vatican-China Dispute
VATICAN CITY, July 15 – Pope Francis has approved the appointment of Bishop Joseph Shen Bin as the new bishop of Shanghai, despite the Vatican’s criticism of China for transferring him without consultation. The move is seen as a violation of the bi-lateral accords between the Vatican and China.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis had named Bishop Shen Bin to head the vacant Shanghai diocese. However, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, expressed his disappointment in a separate interview, stating that the Vatican had not been consulted when Shen was moved from the diocese of Haimen in Jiangsu province to Shanghai.
Parolin emphasized that the unilateral transfer went against the “spirit of dialogue and collaboration” outlined in the 2018 accord on the naming of bishops. The accord, which has been renewed twice since its signing, aims to bridge the divide between the underground Catholic Church loyal to the pope and the state-backed official church in China.
Conservative Catholics have criticized the secret accord, accusing it of being a sellout to communist China. However, the Vatican has defended it as an imperfect means to establish dialogue with Chinese authorities for the benefit of Chinese Catholics.
Cardinal Parolin justified the pope’s decision to approve Shen’s appointment, stating that it was for the “greater good” of the Shanghai diocese and because Shen was an “esteemed pastor.”
The Shanghai dispute is the latest in a series of conflicts between the Vatican and China over the transfer of bishops. Last November, the Vatican accused Chinese authorities of violating the 2018 pact by installing a bishop in a diocese not recognized by the Holy See.
Shen, 53, currently serves as the president of the Council of Chinese Bishops, which is believed to be controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. His installation in Shanghai in April without Vatican permission further strained relations between the two sides.
The Council of Chinese Bishops is not formally recognized by the Vatican. In his interview, Parolin expressed the Holy See’s desire to establish a Chinese Catholic Bishops Conference with statutes similar to those in other countries. He emphasized the importance of regular contact between Chinese bishops and the pope.
In an effort to improve relations, Pope Francis is scheduled to travel to Mongolia next month. Diplomats suggest that Mongolia, which was part of China until 1921 and maintains good relations with Beijing, could serve as an intermediary between the Vatican and China. Mongolia has a small Catholic population of approximately 1,300.
The ongoing dispute highlights the challenges faced by the Vatican in navigating its relationship with China and its desire to protect the rights and interests of Chinese Catholics.
Reporting by Philip Pullella; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel and Mike Harrison
What concerns did the Vatican have regarding the appointment of the new Bishop of Shanghai, and why did Pope Francis still give his approval?
Pope Francis Gives Approval for New Bishop of Shanghai Amid Vatican-China Dispute
The appointment of Bishop Joseph Shen Bin as the new bishop of Shanghai has been approved by Pope Francis, despite the Vatican’s concerns about the lack of consultation from China. This decision is seen as a breach of the bilateral agreements between the Vatican and China.
On Saturday, the Vatican issued a statement announcing the naming of Bishop Shen Bin to lead the vacant Shanghai diocese. However, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, expressed his disappointment in a separate interview, highlighting that the Vatican was not consulted when Shen was transferred from the Haimen diocese in Jiangsu province to Shanghai.
Cardinal Parolin emphasized that the unilateral transfer went against the principles of dialogue and collaboration established in the 2018 agreement on the appointment of bishops. This agreement, renewed twice since its signing, aims to bridge the gap between the underground Catholic Church faithful to the pope and the state-supported official church in China.
While the Vatican has expressed its disappointment with China’s actions, Pope Francis has ultimately approved Shen’s appointment as the new bishop of Shanghai. This decision may further strain the already tense relations between the Vatican and China, as both parties continue to navigate the complex dynamics surrounding the Catholic Church in China.
This appointment by Pope Francis highlights the Vatican’s ongoing efforts to bridge the gap with China. However, the chiding of China for lack of consultation emphasizes the need for open and respectful dialogue between both parties moving forward.