China has millions of Catholics – but most worship in « secret » underground congregations.
China and the Vatican are close to reaching a historic deal regarding the appointment of bishops, according to media reports.
An agreement could be signed in a few months, said a senior Vatican source. If reached, it would be a breakthrough in relations for both parties.
But what exactly is in the pipeline and what would it mean for the country’s 10 million Catholics?
Ties between two have long been strained by disputes over who can appoint bishops in the country.
China first broke off diplomatic ties with the Holy See in 1951, and many Catholics were forced to go underground during former communist leader Mao Zedong’s rule, emerging only in the 1980s when religious practices were tolerated again.
Today, Catholics in China face the choice of attending state-sanctioned churches approved by Beijing or worshipping in underground congregations.
The underground churches recognise only the Vatican’s authority, whereas the Chinese state churches refuse to accept the authority of the Pope.
There are currently about 100 Catholic bishops in China, with some approved by Beijing, some approved by the Vatican and, informally, many now approved by both.
Relations between both parties appear to be thawing.
Last year, Pope Francis made his thoughts about China known, saying that he would like to visit China « as soon as they send me an invitation ».
