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Catholic World News News Feature

Beijing and Rome agree on bishop's appointment June 28, 2005

In a clear sign of improving relations between the Vatican and Beijing, the Chinese government has recognized a bishop appointed by the Holy See, the AsiaNews service reports.

The June 28 consecration of Bishop Joseph Xing Wenzhi as an auxiliary for the Shanghai diocese was authorized by the government-approved "official" Church. But the new bishop announced that he had been nominated by the Holy See.

Beijing's public acceptance of a bishop nominated by the Holy See is an important step, since the government is thereby tacitly admitting that the Vatican nomination is not an unacceptable interference in China's internal affairs. Until now, China has refused to recognize the Vatican's right to appoint bishops, and that issue has been the most prominent block to improved relations between Beijing and Rome.

The AsiaNews service sees the appointment of Bishop Xing as an important step toward uniting the government-approved Church with the "underground" Church that maintains loyalty to Rome. However, AsiaNews adds that it is not yet clear whether the new bishop will be able to carry out his ministry without interference from government officials.

[For a more detailed story see the AsiaNews web site.