Pope Leo XIV made a heartfelt appeal for prayers for Catholics in China during his first public address on Sunday. This comes as he faces one of the most challenging foreign policy issues of his papacy. The pope highlighted the importance of unity among the estimated 12 million Catholics in China, who are divided between a state-controlled church and an underground church loyal to the Vatican.
On Saturday, the Catholic Church observed a special feast day dedicated to praying for the church in China. This day was initiated by Pope Benedict XVI as part of his efforts to bring together the divided Catholic community in the country. Pope Leo noted that prayers were offered in churches and shrines worldwide, expressing support for Chinese Catholics and their connection to the universal church.
During his noontime blessing, Pope Leo prayed for strength and joy for Catholics in China, urging them to be witnesses of the Gospel, even in difficult times. He emphasized the need for peace and harmony in their lives.
Pope Francis had previously taken steps to unify the church in China, including a controversial agreement in 2018 regarding bishop nominations. While the specifics of this deal remain undisclosed, it allows the state-controlled church to have a say in choosing its leaders, although the pope retains veto power. The agreement has faced criticism from some quarters, particularly among conservative Catholics who feel it compromises the underground church.
As Pope Leo considers whether to renew this agreement, there have been reports of violations from the Chinese side, including appointments made without papal consent. Tensions escalated just before the conclave that elected Leo when the Chinese church conducted preliminary elections of two bishops without Vatican approval.
Cardinal Stephen Chow, the archbishop of Hong Kong, shared that he had discussed these matters with Pope Leo, who has experience with Chinese culture. Chow expressed hope that Leo would continue the path set by Pope Francis and emphasized the importance of not forgetting the church in China.
The Vatican has been working for years to improve relations with China, which have been strained since the Communist Party took power over seventy years ago. The heart of the issue lies in the disagreement over who has the authority to appoint bishops. While China insists on its right to name bishops, the Vatican maintains that this is the pope’s prerogative.
The 2018 agreement aimed to bridge this gap, regularizing the status of several bishops not recognized by Rome and easing decades of tension between the Vatican and China. As Pope Leo XIV steps into this complex situation, the future of Catholicism in China remains uncertain, but his call for prayers reflects a commitment to unity and support for Chinese Catholics.