On 22 September 2018, with the signing of the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China, a new page opened in the history of relations between the two realities, both from a political and religious point of view. Today, with the third renewal of the agreement, the desire to continue along this path of collaboration is confirmed, which has already allowed all Chinese bishops to be in full hierarchical communion with the Pope. The new agreement, which will have a duration of four years, follows the previous two-year renewals of 2020 and 2022.
Dialogue and cooperation for the good of the Church and the Chinese people
The official press release announcing the renewal underlines how the decision was taken after careful evaluations and consultations between the parties. The signing is motivated by the “consensus reached for a fruitful application” of the Agreement, with the aim of strengthening the appointment of bishops in China in line with the principles of the Catholic Church and with papal consensus. Furthermore, the Holy See reiterates its intention to continue a “respectful and constructive” dialogue with the Chinese authorities to improve bilateral relations and promote the good of the Catholic Church and the Chinese people.
A historic change
The 2018 Provisional Agreement ended decades of episcopal ordinations that occurred without the Pope’s consent, marking a crucial turning point for the Catholic Church in China. In these six years, about ten new appointments and consecrations of bishops have been made, while some prelates, previously not recognized by Beijing, have seen their public role made official. This process testifies to a gradual but important rapprochement between the two parties.
The Chinese presence in the events of the universal Church
The renewed dialogue was also reflected in the participation of the bishops of mainland China in important international ecclesial events, such as the Synods in the Vatican, and in meetings in Europe and America. Last year, the presence of young Chinese at the World Youth Day (WYD) in Lisbon represented a further sign of the growing integration of Chinese faithful in the activities of the universal Church.
Thanks to these steps, the Provisional Agreement continues to represent a bridge between the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China, fueling a path of peace and cooperation that promotes not only religious dialogue, but also the well-being of the Chinese people.
in the Ansa photo, the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin
