ROME (AP) – Pope Leo XIV has requested Chinese Catholics to pray for unity with the universal Church.
The first American Pope in history noted that Saturday marked a special East Feast Day dedicated to praying for the Church in China. This initiative, originally started by Pope Benedict XVI, aims to bring together about 12 million Catholics in China, who are divided between an official state-approved church and an underground church loyal to Rome—both have faced significant persecution.
“Prayer is a gesture of support and love for Chinese Catholics and serves to foster connection with the universal church,” Leo remarked.
During his noon blessing, Leo expressed hope that Catholics in China and beyond would “be strong and joyful witnesses of the gospel, working to promote peace and harmony, especially in trying times.”
Pope Francis has built on Benedict’s efforts for unity by agreeing to a contentious deal regarding bishop nominations in 2018. Although the specifics remain undisclosed, Francis stated he had a veto over the final decision, while the state-controlled churches also have input regarding church leadership.
Some critics argue that this agreement compromises Catholic rights and fails to protect loyal underground believers. The Vatican, however, maintains it’s a beneficial arrangement that has been adapted over time.
Leo now faces the choice of whether to continue updating this agreement. Issues have arisen regarding unilateral appointments made without papal consent, alongside several notable violations. This conversation intensified just before the Conclave, during which new bishops were being nominated for the Chinese Church.
Leo communicated with Hong Kong’s Archbishop Stephen Chow about his experiences in China, emphasizing his understanding of Chinese culture and context.
Chow expressed hope that Leo would align himself with the vision Pope Francis has for the Chinese church. He also presented Leo with a small statue of Our Lady of Sheshan, a revered figure among Chinese Catholics, celebrated during the East Feast on May 24th.
Chow mentioned that he urged Leo “to keep the Chinese people and their church in mind,” and Leo’s nod indicated his commitment to this promise, as reported by Fides.
The Vatican has long sought to improve relations with China, which severed ties over 70 years ago following the rise of communist rule. The Vatican historically claimed the exclusive right to appoint bishops, a stance that has clashed with China’s insistence on national sovereignty regarding bishop nominations.
The 2018 agreement was aimed at unifying the Catholic community in China, recognizing seven bishops previously unacknowledged by Rome, and resolving decades of estrangement between China and the Vatican.
