Beijing (AsiaNews) – From the passing of Pope Francis the day after Easter, to the election of Pope Leo XIV on 8 May and the Mass marking the start of his ministry on 18 May, bishops, priests, nuns and lay faithful of the Church in mainland China closely followed the news coming from Rome.
All mourned the death of Pope Francis and prayed that the cardinals would elect a new Pope guided by the Holy Spirit. They then awaited with joy the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, wondering what he would say, what he would do, and what his vision for the Church would be.
Fortunately, thanks to the presence of social media, the faithful were able to access information on the above matters through accounts that shared posts and short videos on WeChat, which were then forwarded to personal Moments, spreading relevant information to others. People were able to follow Pope Francis’s funeral and his burial at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major through a live-streamed video with Chinese translation.
Later, through these same social media channels, people learnt about the meetings of the College of Cardinals and the conclave, watching the black and white smoke on 7 and 8 May. In the middle of the night, priests saw the white smoke and immediately forwarded the news to their WeChat Moments.
“White smoke! White smoke!” they commented enthusiastically, not yet knowing who the new Pope was. Excitement was running high, and people stayed up until after 1 a.m., when suddenly the “Habemus Papam” announcement spread—“Habemus Papam”—igniting joy and elation among the faithful. Even priests who rarely post on WeChat Moments rejoiced: “We have a new Pope.”
Soon, everyone learnt his name: Leo XIV. Born in Chicago, USA, he is a member of the Order of Saint Augustine, a long-time missionary in Peru, bishop of the Peruvian diocese of Chiclayo, former provincial superior and superior general of the Augustinian Order. In 2023, he became head of the Dicastery for Bishops in the Roman Curia.
He brings with him rich and wide-ranging missionary and administrative experience, from parishes to dioceses and the Roman Curia, from provincial to general of the Order. He speaks six languages. His faith and doctrinal grounding are solid. His love for the poor runs deep. He is skilled in communication and holds a doctorate in canon law. He desires peace alongside justice. These are all virtues and qualifications appreciated by Catholics.
Now the faithful follow social media updates, trying to learn as much as they can about Pope Leo XIV—from his traditional attire when he appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to his daily activities, such as his visit to the Augustinian Order’s headquarters and his appeal to end all wars. The faithful heard his call for unity, communion, reconciliation, charity, peace and hope during his inaugural Mass.
How will the new Pope manage the relationship between China and the Vatican? This is a major concern for the Church in mainland China. Since 2018, when China and the Vatican signed a provisional agreement on the appointment of bishops, more than ten episcopal consecrations have taken place.
Some previously unregistered bishops have been officially recognised. There are also bishops who have been transferred from one diocese to another. In the era of Pope Leo XIV, the faithful hope that the bishops to be appointed and approved under the agreement will truly love the faithful and know their flock.
That they will be capable in pastoral care and supported by the faithful. Only then can a bishop lead the faithful to love their country and the Church, unite the faithful, guide them to actively contribute to nation-building, help maintain social stability, and be good citizens, good Catholics, and bear fruit in evangelisation.
