Pope approves new Shanghai bishop despite Vatican criticism of China’s breach of deal

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Pope Francis endorses new Shanghai bishop amid Vatican-China dispute

In a recent development, Pope Francis approved the appointment of Bishop Joseph Shen Bin as the new Bishop of Shanghai. However, the move was criticized by the Vatican because China made the transfer without consulting them, which violates bilateral agreements between the two parties.

Key points:

– Pope Francis has endorsed Bishop Joseph Shen Bin because of his esteemed pastoral qualities.

– The Vatican and China reached an agreement in 2018 to prevent the installation of bishops not recognized by the Holy See.

– Conservative Catholics have previously criticized the 2018 deal.

The Vatican issued a statement expressing its disapproval of China’s unilateral decision. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, said in a separate interview that they were not consulted when Bishop Shen was transferred from Haimen Diocese in Jiangsu Province to Shanghai. Cardinal Parolin stressed that this action goes against the spirit of dialogue and collaboration described in the 2018 agreement on the appointment of bishops.

The 2018 deal has been criticized by conservative Catholics who see it as a compromise with communist China. However, the Vatican defends it as an imperfect means of establishing a form of dialogue with the Chinese authorities for the benefit of Chinese Catholics.

This dispute between the Vatican and China over the transfer of bishops is not new. In November, the Vatican accused Chinese authorities of violating the 2018 pact by installing a bishop in a diocese not recognized by the Holy See. The purpose of this agreement was to bridge the long-standing divide in mainland China between an underground flock loyal to the pope and an official state-backed church. It was the first time since the 1950s that both sides recognized the pope as supreme head of the Catholic Church.

Despite disagreement over Bishop Shen’s appointment, Pope Francis decided to approve him for the greater good of the Shanghai Diocese. Cardinal Parolin said in an interview with Vatican internal media that the pope made this decision with the best interests of the diocese in mind.

The relationship between the Vatican and China has been complex, with various challenges and compromises along the way. The Catholic Church has faced restrictions and persecution in China, and this agreement was seen as a step towards improving relations and providing some level of protection for Chinese Catholics.

However, the recent transfer of Bishop Shen without consultation has strained the already delicate relationship between the Vatican and China. It highlights lingering tensions and differing interpretations of the 2018 agreement.

As this dispute unfolds, it remains to be seen how the two sides will manage their differences and work toward a resolution. The appointment of Bishop Shen as the new Bishop of Shanghai raises questions about the future of Vatican-China relations and the implementation of the 2018 agreement.

In conclusion, Pope Francis’ approval of Bishop Joseph Shen Bin as the new Bishop of Shanghai has sparked controversy due to China’s violation of bilateral agreements with the Vatican. While the Vatican expressed its disapproval, Pope Francis made the decision in the best interest of the Shanghai Diocese. This latest dispute adds to current challenges in Vatican-China relations, highlighting the complexities surrounding religious freedom and diplomacy.

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