Chinese officials: Catholics must refer to late bishop as ‘clandestine shepherd’

January 12, 2010

Braving the snow and defying a government ban, thousands of Catholics attended the funeral of 86-year-old Coadjutor Bishop Leo Yao Liang of Xiwanzi, who had spent nearly three decades in detention because of his loyalty to the Roman Pontiff. The government, which forbade Catholics from outside Bishop Yao’s local county from attending the funeral, has also banned references to him as a “bishop,” instead requiring Catholics to refer to him as a “clandestine shepherd.”

 

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Further information:

• Bishop Yao was truly a good shepherd who gave his life for his sheep (Fides)
• Thousands brave weather, government ban to attend bishop's funeral (UCAN)
• Underground Chinese bishop dies (CWN, 1/4)