Tension between the Vatican and China after the appointment of a bishop by Beijing
Passers-by in front of St. Joseph's Church in Wangfujing in Beijing, September 14, 2022. © Mark Schiefelbein/AP
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1 min
On November 24, a Chinese bishop was officially installed at the head of a diocese not recognized by the Vatican.
A violation of the provisional agreement signed between China and the Vatican in 2018. The Holy See demands an explanation.
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With our correspondent at the Vatican,
Éric Sénanque
Since the
signing of this agreement
in 2018, this is the first time that the Holy See has denounced its violation by the Chinese authorities, a sign of a dialogue that is difficult to say the least.
In a press release, the Holy See expressed its surprise and regret at Beijing's decision, recalling that this ordination "
did not take place in accordance with the spirit of dialogue existing between the Vatican side and the Chinese side and what was stipulated in the provisional agreement
" of 2018. More serious for the Vatican, the civil recognition of the bishop of Yujiang Mgr Giovanni Peng Weizhao "
would have been preceded by long and strong pressure on the part of local authorities
”.
Difficult dialogue with local authorities
The Holy See hopes that other ordinations of this type will not happen again and is above all awaiting explanations from the Chinese authorities.
A few weeks ago, shortly after the renewal of the provisional agreement, Cardinal Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, admitted that in certain Chinese dioceses "
it was not possible to have a fruitful dialogue with local authorities
" while displaying its confidence in the future.
A dialogue that is now experiencing a serious hitch.
►Also read: News witnesses - China / Vatican: towards what relations after the arrest of Cardinal Zen in Hong Kong?
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