Sergio Ticozzi

Created 40 years ago, the association contributes to the development of the Diocese of Shanghai in the current context. The goals set out in its latest assembly include research on prominent Catholic figures and improving members’ skills to help vulnerable groups.

Episcopal ordination and installation in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. His words at the end of the celebration: "My desire is to be a bridge between the government authorities and the Church. It will not be easy after these two years, but the pandemic has taught us all to help one another". The delicate situation awaiting the new bishop.

The bishop passed away yesterday at the age of 93. Ordained bishop in 2000 after he was "democratically" elected despite the Vatican's opposition. In 2008 the Holy See granted him legitimacy but without jurisdiction over the diocese.

Founded in 1980 by the then bishop of Hong Kong, Msgr. Giovanni Battista Wu Cheng-Chung, the Centre has nurtured relations with China, collected information, carried out studies, given subsidies and fostered friendship with the Church and Chinese society. The future prospects of a more academic focus.

Contrary to what some journalists say, the last five episcopal appointments have more to do more with internal issues in their respective dioceses or with relations to the local government. Fr Sergio Ticozzi, PIME missionary and a China expert, provides some insight.

For the PIME missionary, the document released yesterday answers some of the perplexities of conscience of many Chinese priests. But it fails to realise the deep restrictions, which undermine the Catholic faith, to which the Church in China is subjected. He hopes that the Holy See will also speak with the Chinese authorities to protect individuals' freedom of conscience and prevent the use of religion for political purposes.

Fr. Anthony Yao Shun for Jining,; Fr. Stephen Xu Hongwei for Hanzhong,. Both had already been chosen by the Holy See years before. Both elections took place in a hotel, under the full control of the local civil authorities, with a single candidate imposed. There does not seem to be a need for the chosen ones to be presented to the pope for approval and appointment. Perhaps only for sheer formality.

The underground bishop, recognized by the government last January 30, has sought a way not to belong to the Patriotic Association and has even asked the Pope for forgiveness for this step. A look at the life of underground bishops and priests and an example for the official ones. Nanyang is an ancient mission of PIME (Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions).

The pressure and violence of the civil authorities control and suffocate the official Church. Underground Catholics wonder whether the Holy See has married the government's thesis, to eliminate them. The "unrealistic" hope in an agreement between China and the Holy See. The appeal of a PIME missionary, a great expert on China.

Fr. Ticozzi: It is a 'literary genre' to garner momentum towards the ideal future, an exhortation. Anthony Liu Bainian: It's just an opinion of John Tong. The appointment of bishops depends on "the future of China-Vatican dialogue". Underground bishops "not suitable to work with the Communist Party."

The documentation of that violent period was burned or buried in archives. Only a few survivors speak. The persecutors are silent in fear. The burning of religious objects and furnishings in Hebei. Bishops humiliated and arrested in Henan; nuns beaten with sticks and killed, or buried alive. A persecution that "is not over yet"; Today it is perhaps only more subtle.

PIME missionary in Hong Kong, Fr. Sergio Ticozzi, met the late bishop many times when they would speak in Latin to avoid "indiscreet ears". He recalls the prelates material and spiritual reconstruction of the diocese of Anyang; his care for vocations; his receiving government recognition and his rejection of the Patriotic Association. How he waited for five years to ordain his coadjutor without "illegitimate bishops."