Latest news with #ChineseCatholics
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Beijing & Vatican: a short history of religion and Catholicism in China
Pope Leo XIV has asked for prayers for China's Catholics to be in communion with the Holy See, wading into a prickly foreign policy issue between Beijing and the Vatican. On May 25, a couple of weeks into his papacy, the pontiff said: 'In the churches and shrines in China and throughout the world, prayers have been raised to God as a sign of the solicitude and affection for Chinese Catholics and their communion with the universal church.' He was referring to the special feast day of May 24, which was initiated for China's Catholics in 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI. Communist China severed diplomatic ties with the Vatican in 1951, two years after the establishment of the People's Republic. What has been China's relationship with the Catholic Church over the decades? Catholicism in China Christianity is said to have arrived in China with a monk named Aluoben in the seventh century, during the time of the Tang dynasty (618-907 CE). He was allowed to build a monastery; however, in 845 CE, activities of all foreign religions, including Christianity, were limited by an imperial edict. An Italian Jesuit priest named Matteo Ricci (1552-1610) who travelled from Europe to Goa in 1578 and was ordained at Cochin (now Kochi) three years later, is credited with popularising the religion in China. Ricci, who travelled to China from India, learnt Mandarin and the local culture to reach out to the local population. He wrote that in order to avoid suspicion, 'the Fathers (Jesuits) initially did not attempt to speak very clearly about our holy law… They rather tried to learn the language, literature, and etiquette of the Chinese, and to win their hearts and, by the example of their good lives…' The Taiping Rebellion, a major uprising against the Qing dynasty that lasted for 14 years from 1850-64, was inspired in part by Christianity. Hong Xiuquan, the leader of the rebellion, believed that he was the brother of Jesus Christ, with the mission of establishing Taiping Tianguo, or the Heavenly Kingdom of Great Harmony. Mao Zedong's communists saw religion as being incompatible with their ideology, and a distraction for the working masses. The Nationalist government had maintained relations with the Holy See, but the People's Republic demanded total allegiance from Chinese Christian priests, and perceived their link with the Vatican as a threat of control by Western powers. In what is seen as a fabricated controversy, the government expelled the Vatican representative in China for 'espionage' in 1951. In 2018, China and the Vatican reached an agreement that allowed the Holy See to have the final say over the appointments of bishops proposed by Beijing. Many in the West saw the agreement as bowing down to Chinese government pressure. In 2021, Pope Francis said in defence of the Church: 'China is not easy, but I am convinced that we should not give up dialogue.' Limited recognition During Mao's Cultural Revolution (1966-76), all elements deemed antithetical to a communist society were purged, including religious groups. It was only after the economic reforms of 1978 under Deng Xiaoping that they began to re-emerge. Article 36 of the PRC's constitution guarantees religious freedom, but with restrictions. It says, 'No one shall use religion to engage in activities that disrupt public order, impair the health of citizens or interfere with the state's education system. Religious groups and religious affairs shall not be subject to control by foreign forces.' Members of the Communist Party cannot have religious affiliations. Five religions are officially recognised: Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam, Buddhism, and Taoism. However, their administration, such as the appointment of bishops, is under state control. The Vatican has historically opposed this, saying only the Pope can make these decisions. An estimate by Pew Research put the number of Catholics in China at around 10 million in 2020. This included members of underground churches run by local priests. Unlike other religious groups, the population of Catholics in China is estimated to be shrinking. Tension over Taiwan An aspect of China-Vatican tensions is the issue of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as a part of China. After the victory of the communists in China's Civil War, the leaders of the Nationalist Party (Kuomintang) fled to Taiwan, where they established their government and sought support from Western governments as the 'Republic of China'. Subsequently, under its 'One China' policy, Beijing required any country with diplomatic ties with the PRC to not recognise Taiwan. While many governments backed Taiwan during the Cold War era, China's economic rise and the changing geopolitical situation gradually saw them shift their allegiance. Currently, only 12 governments, mostly small island nations, recognise Taiwan. The Holy See is one of these governments. Religion under Xi The Chinese state under President Xi Jinping has moved away from an earlier view of religion as something that could guide people towards morality and balance amid increasing commercialisation. Since Xi came to power in 2013, the state and Communist Party have stressed on the 'Sinicisation' of religions, aimed at maintaining and promoting their 'Chinese characteristics'. Critics say Sinicisation is, in fact, an effort to homogenise disparate cultures to match the practices of the majority ethnic Han population. Crackdowns on religious groups have also increased. The most well-known example is that of Uighur Muslims in the western Xinjiang province, many of whom have been interned in 're-education camps'. China denies allegations of Uighurs being forced into slave labour. Rishika Singh is a Senior sub-editor at the Explained Desk of The Indian Express. She enjoys writing on issues related to international relations, and in particular, likes to follow analyses of news from China. Additionally, she writes on developments related to politics and culture in India. ... Read More
Time of India
7 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Pope Leo XIV Declares He Is Roman In Final Ceremonial Step, Prays For Chinese Catholics
Pope Leo XIV declared himself a Roman as he completed the final ceremonial step as Bishop of Rome. The first American pope formally took possession of St. John Lateran Basilica, which is Rome's cathedral and seat of the diocese. Pope also made first comment on one of the thorniest foreign policy issues facing his new pontificate. Pope Leo XIV prayed for Chinese Catholics to be in communion with the holy see. Watch- Read More
Los Angeles Times
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Pope Leo prays for Chinese Catholics to be in communion with Rome in first comments on thorny issue
ROME — Pope Leo XIV asked Sunday for prayers for China's Catholics to be in communion with the Holy See, as he made his first public remarks about one of the thorniest foreign policy issues facing his new pontificate. History's first American pope recalled that the Roman Catholic Church on Saturday marked a special feast day to pray for the church in China. Pope Benedict XVI had initiated the feast day as part of his efforts to unify China's estimated 12 million Catholics who were divided between an official, state-controlled church that didn't recognize papal authority and an underground church that remained loyal to Rome through decades of persecution. Leo noted that on the feast day 'in the churches and shrines in China and throughout the world, prayers have been raised to God as a sign of the solicitude and affection for Chinese Catholics and their communion with the universal church.' Speaking from his studio window during his noontime blessing, Leo prayed that Catholics in China and elsewhere 'obtain the grace to be strong and joyful witnesses of the Gospel, even in the midst of trials, to always promote peace and harmony.' Pope Francis took Benedict's unifying efforts further by approving a controversial deal in 2018 over bishop nominations. The details of the deal were never released, but it affords the state-controlled church a say in its church leaders, though Francis insisted he retained veto power over the ultimate choice. The deal has been criticized by some, especially on the Catholic right, who argue that it acquiesced to Beijing's demands and sold out the underground faithful in China. The Vatican has said it was the best deal it could get, and it has been renewed periodically since then. Leo will have to decide whether to continue renewing the accord. There have been some apparent violations on the Beijing side with some unilateral appointments that occurred without papal consent. The issue came to a head just before the conclave that elected Leo pope this month, when the Chinese church proceeded with the preliminary election of two bishops, a step that comes before official consecration. Leo told the archbishop of Hong Kong, Cardinal Stephen Chow, that he had 'visited China several times and got to know the Chinese culture and reality,' according to the Fides missionary news agency, citing comments Chow made in his diocesan weekly newsletter after the conclave. Chow added that he expected Leo would follow Francis' direction for the church in China. He said he had given Leo a small statue of Our Lady of Sheshan, a figure of the Madonna that is particularly venerated by Chinese faithful and is celebrated on the annual feast day, May 24. Chow, a Jesuit, said he had implored Leo 'to not forget the church in China and the Chinese people,' according to the newsletter. 'He nodded his head to indicate that he will not forget,' according to Fides. The Vatican has been working for years to try to improve relations with China that were officially severed more than seven decades ago when the Communists came to power. Relations had long been stymied over China's insistence on its exclusive right to name bishops as a matter of national sovereignty, while the Vatican insisted on the pope's exclusive right to name the successors of the original Apostles. The 2018 deal was aimed at uniting the flock, regularizing the status of seven bishops who weren't recognized by Rome and thawing decades of estrangement between China and the Vatican. Winfield writes for the Associated Press.
The Journal
25-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Pope prays for China's Catholics to be in communion with Vatican after defiance of bishop agreement
POPE LEO XIV has asked for prayers for China's Catholics to be in communion with the Vatican, as he made his first public remarks about one of the thorniest foreign policy issues facing his new pontificate. It comes after China openly defied an agreement with the Vatican on the appointment of bishops. Only the pope can ratify a bishop appointment and China 'elected' two bishops in the days following Pope Francis's death when the papal office was empty. In remarks today, the new Pope recalled that on Saturday, the Catholic Church marked a special feast day to pray for the church in China. Pope Benedict XVI had initiated the feast day as part of his efforts to unify China's 12 million Catholics who were divided between an official, state-controlled Church that did not recognise papal authority, and an underground Church that remained loyal to the Vatican through decades of persecution. Leo noted that on the feast day, 'in the churches and shrines in China and throughout the world, prayers have been raised to God as a sign of the solicitude and affection for Chinese Catholics and their communion with the universal church'. Speaking from his studio window during his noon blessing, Leo prayed that Catholics in China and elsewhere 'obtain the grace to be strong and joyful witnesses of the Gospel, even in the midst of trials, to always promote peace and harmony'. Defiance of Vatican-China agreement In 2018, Pope Francis helped broker an agreement between the Vatican and China to find a middle-ground between the underground Catholic Church faithful to the Vatican and the state-controlled Church. In China, the five main religions have government-controlled bodies that manage their affairs – for Catholicism, it's the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association (CCPA). The CCPA in the past appointed bishops in China without Vatican approval. But the colloquially known underground Catholics do not affiliate with the CCPA and instead looks to the Vatican and its own secretly ordained bishops . Chinese authorities have in the past harassed this underground Church and has reportedly detained some of its clergy and closed its churches . While the agreement has not been made public, it includes a framework whereby Chinese authorities put forth names of new bishops that the pope then either approves or disapproves. However, this agreement was violated when China 'elected' two bishops despite the Catholic Church being in the 'sede vacante' period following the death of Francis. When a pope dies or resigns, the Catholic Church enters a period known as sede vacante - Latin for 'the seat being vacant'. Advertisement During this period, the Vatican is unable to ratify any bishop appointments as only the pope has the ability to do this. One of these bishop appointments was particularly striking because the diocese is already led by a Vatican-appointed bishop. The Vatican-approved bishop in this diocese is Bishop Joseph Zhang Weizhu, who was secretly appointed by Pope John Paul II in 1991. He spent decades ministering without Chinese-state approval and has been arrested multiple times. It's reported that Zhang was most recently arrested in 2021 while recovering from cancer surgery and remains in custody without trial. China-Vatican relations The relationship between China and the Vatican has been rocky going back over decades. In 1951, China severed ties with the Vatican and expelled its papal nuncio on 'espionage' charges. The Vatican is also one of only 12 governments – and the only one in Europe – to recognise the State of Taiwan. China claims Taiwan is a province and has vowed to annex it. It's reported that a full reconciliation with the Vatican would involve the Holy See breaking diplomatic ties with Taiwan and allowing China free reign on appointing bishops, something the Vatican will not agree to. Taiwan's president, who met Francis six times, did not attend Francis's funeral or Leo's inauguration and instead sent a former vice-president . This meant Taiwan's president Lai Ching-te missed a rare opportunity to mix with other global leaders. Meanwhile, Cardinal Joseph Zen of Hong Kong previously described the 2018 agreement as an 'incredible betrayal' and accused the Vatican of 'selling out and abandoning the faithful of the underground church in China'. In 2018, he said: 'The consequences will be tragic and long lasting, not only for the Church in China but for the whole Church because it damages the credibility. 'Maybe that's why they might keep the agreement secret.' He added: 'The Holy See encouraged them to persevere and for so many years Popes praised their courage. And now they are being told to surrender.' -With additional reporting from Press Association Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Euronews
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Pope prays for Chinese Catholics to be in communion with Rome
Pope Leo XIV on Sunday asked for prayers for China's Catholics to be in communion with the Holy See, as he made his first public remarks about one of the thorniest foreign policy issues facing his new pontificate. The pope recalled that the Catholic Church marked a special feast day on Saturday to pray for the church in China. Pope Benedict XVI had initiated the feast day as part of his efforts to unify China's estimated 12 million Catholics, who were divided between an official, state-controlled church that didn't recognise papal authority and an underground church that remained loyal to Rome through decades of persecution. Leo noted that on the feast day, 'in the churches and shrines in China and throughout the world, prayers have been raised to God as a sign of the solicitude and affection for Chinese Catholics and their communion with the universal church.' Speaking from his studio window during his noontime blessing, Leo prayed that Catholics in China and elsewhere 'obtain the grace to be strong and joyful witnesses of the Gospel, even in the midst of trials, to always promote peace and harmony.' Pope Francis took Benedict's unifying efforts further by approving a controversial deal in 2018 over bishop nominations. The details of the deal were never released, but it affords the state-controlled church a say in its church leaders, though Francis insisted he retained veto power over the ultimate choice. The deal has been criticised by some, especially on the Catholic right, for having caved to Beijing's demands and sold out the underground faithful in China. The Vatican has said it was the best deal it could get, and it has been renewed periodically since then. Leo will have to decide whether to continue renewing the accord. There have been some apparent violations on the Beijing side with some unilateral appointments that occurred without papal consent. The issue came to a head just before the conclave that elected Pope Leo, when the Chinese church proceeded with the preliminary election of two bishops, a step that comes before official consecration. Leo told the archbishop of Hong Kong, Cardinal Stephen Chow, that he had 'visited China several times and got to know the Chinese culture and reality,' according to the Fides missionary news agency, citing comments Chow made in his diocesan weekly newsletter after the conclave. Chow added that he expected Leo would follow Francis' direction for the church in China. He said he had given Leo a small statue of Our Lady of Sheshan, a statue of the Madonna that is particularly venerated by Chinese faithful and is celebrated on the feast day, 24 May. Chow, a Jesuit, said he had implored Leo 'to not forget the church in China and the Chinese people,' according to the newsletter. 'He nodded his head to indicate that he would not forget,' according to Fides. The Vatican has been working for years to try to improve relations with China that were officially severed over seven decades ago when the Communists came to power. Relations had long been stymied over China's insistence on its exclusive right to name bishops as a matter of national sovereignty, while the Vatican insisted on the pope's exclusive right to name the successors of the original Apostles. Russia and Ukraine on Sunday completed the exchange of 1,000 prisoners each, with the handover of the last 303 prisoners. The three-day swap, which started on Friday, was the largest since the war began three years ago. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the completion of the exchange, saying on X on Sunday that '303 Ukrainian defenders are home". The swap was agreed on in Istanbul earlier this month during the first face-to-face talks between the two sides since the war began. The prisoner exchange, which included civilians, has been the only concrete step towards peace to emerge from the meeting. Just hours before the last handover, Russia hit Ukraine with a massive drone and missile assault which Ukrainian officials described as the largest aerial attack of the war. Officials said at least 12 people were killed and dozens others injured in what they described as the largest aerial assault since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. There was no immediate comment from Moscow on the strikes. Russia's Defence Ministry said meanwhile that its air defences shot down 110 Ukrainian drones overnight. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged his country's Western partners to ramp up sanctions against Russia. Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday said Moscow would present Ukraine with a draft peace agreement once the exchange was completed. Posting on X on Sunday, President Zelenskyy reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire and promised to bring every Ukrainian home. The prisoner exchange was the latest of dozens of swaps since the war began but also the biggest involving Ukrainian civilians. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers on both sides, and tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians, are believed to have been wounded or killed during the war.
