Pope Leo recently marked a year into his papacy, following the legacy of Pope Francis. Notably, the “China-Vatican Agreement,” established in 2018, aimed to reconcile the divide between approximately 12 million Catholics in China who either adhere to underground practices loyal to the pope or align with the state-backed Catholic Patriotic Association (CCPA), as reported by Reuters.
Following the rise of an atheistic communist government, diplomatic ties between the Vatican and China were severed in 1951, with allegations against papal representatives of espionage. The CCPA was formed after this divide, allowing the government to steer the Catholic Church within the nation, including altering its doctrines and appointing bishops without Vatican consent, according to reports from Time.
Interestingly, just a week post-Francis’ passing and prior to the start of the conclave, China appointed two bishops, which some interpreted as an indication of unease regarding the next pope’s potential stance on the agreement.
As America’s first pope, Leo won’t be required to reassess the agreement until 2028. The Vulnerable People Project (VPP) noted that while Leo could revoke the contract at any point, opportunities to diverge from his predecessor’s policy seem to be dwindling.
Back in June 2025, Leo made a significant move by appointing a bishop for China, swiftly recognized by the Chinese state. VPP commented that while this appointment suggests continuity within the framework of the agreement, Leo hasn’t fully committed to its credibility yet.
Another crucial point is what details remain undisclosed. Leo, in a conversation with EWTN News, expressed that he could not comment on the situation surrounding Jimmy Lai, a Catholic founder sentenced to 20 years in prison, as reported back in March.
Furthermore, it appears that other Vatican representatives have been positively inclined toward Beijing’s diplomatic overtures. In 2018, Bishop Marcelo Sánchez Sorondo supported a proposal from a WHO commission investigating forced organ harvesting allegations in China. The Hudson Institute reported that Huang Jiefu, a member of the Chinese Communist Party, was appointed to this committee.
China had publicly defended itself against accusations of organ harvesting without offering independent proof, as noted by the Hudson Institute. Chris Smith, a representative from New Jersey, criticized the Vatican for providing a platform to Chinese officials involved in organ transplants, suggesting that this could pose ethical concerns.
Sánchez Sorondo previously stated that the Chinese government exemplifies the Church’s social doctrine by protecting individual dignity, contrasting it with the U.S. political landscape, which he sees as dominated by economic interests. He viewed the Chinese model as offering jobs and social benefits to its citizens.
Jason Jones, founder of the VPP, emphasized his goal to dismantle the existing agreement through various initiatives, including distributing a book authored by Jan Jekielek, which discusses the nature of China’s organ harvesting practices targeting religious minorities, particularly Christians. He hoped this endeavor would enlighten American bishops and inspire them to take action.
Alongside this book distribution, Jones also initiated a campaign for the release of Cardinal Zen and seven other bishops imprisoned in China for their opposition to the regime. The VPP is seeking to raise awareness regarding the religious persecution faced by these bishops, reiterating that each concession made has only led to increased oppression.
The VPP continues to advocate for religious freedom in China, aspiring for their efforts to not only distance the pope from the Communist regime but also contribute to the regime’s eventual downfall.
