Allegedly, on July 5 a paragraph of a pre-written speech by the Pope where he supported freedom in Hong Kong was not read by Francis. To avoid further wild speculations, the Vatican may publish the text of the 2018 China deal.
Vatican-China agreement
Pressure Mounts on Fuzhou’s Catholic Conscientious Objectors
The government closed down over 100 meeting venues in the Archdiocese of Fuzhou, which are run by priests who continue to resist joining the Patriotic Church.
September 22: First Anniversary of the Vatican-China Deal
Time for a sober assessment of the agreement. While it would be excessive to state that all Chinese Catholics oppose it, its application is problematic, dissident priests are persecuted, and underlying theological issues on religious liberty remains unsolved.
Hong Kong Protests: The Catholic Factor
The Hong Kong Catholic Church’s past, present, and future—and decisions to be taken by the Vatican—weigh heavily on the fate of the protest.
Catholic Church in Diocese of Yujiang Raided and Shut Down
Clergy and believers refusing to join the Patriotic Church cannot evade the CCP’s continuous crackdowns and persecution even in the most remote rural places.
Vatican Issues Guidelines: Joining the Patriotic Association Allowed, Not Mandatory
A new document clarifies the Holy See’s official position on the controversial question whether Catholic priests and Bishops “can” or “should” join the CCP-controlled association.
Catholic Church Suspends Pro-CCP Priest
A priest in Hebei who urged Chinese Communist Party to arrest his (underground) bishop was punished by his diocese with the approval of the Holy See.
Vatican Rejects CCP’s Claim that Underground Catholics Should Join the Patriotic Church
Cardinal Fernando Filoni, the head of Vatican’s congregation responsible for China, rejects false interpretations of the Vatican-China deal.
The Catholic Church Between China and the French Revolution
A daring AsiaNews analysis of the cost-effectiveness of the 2018 Vatican-China Deal recalls the sad precedent of the Napoleonic attempt to subdue the Church.
Underground and Patriotic Catholic Church: Merged in Two Dioceses?
In Mindong and Shantou, the Vatican orders Underground bishops to retire and places all Catholics under the jurisdiction of Patriotic bishops.