Church in China

Founded in 1923 on the day in which the stigmata of Saint Francis are remembered, the institute is the first female religious order in Shaanxi. Despite the many trials experienced in the 20th century, it has kept its charism alive. Currently, it has 240 members in various Chinese provinces. Bishop Dang Mingyan urges them to carry out their mission “starting afresh from the Sacred Heart of Jesus.”

The archbishop of Bologna continues the mission entrusted to him by Pope Francis. If, as some media reports suggest, he will meet Premier Li Qiang, this will be the first high-level meeting between a top Church official and the head of government of the People's Republic. Meanwhile, four Chinese prelates are in Europe with government approval; in Leuven (Belgium), they met with the Verbiest Foundation to restart an exchange programme to train Chinese priests and lay people.

Ordained in 2020, Fr Yang Xiaoming, a young priest in the diocese of Wenzhou (Zhejiang) was given an administrative sentence for standing his ground on a matter of conscience. As a result, he is not allowed to perform his ministry. In China, the authorities claim the right to decide who is a priest in open violation of religious freedom.

Fr. Gianni Criveller, PIME missionary and sinologist, comments on the words addressed by the pope yesterday to the Chinese people from Mongolia, with Card. Tong and Cardinal-designate Chow. "There is no contradiction between being good Christians and good citizens when there is freedom. Now it is up to Beijing to follow up with concrete steps on issues such as the permanent form of dialogue urged by Card. Parolin or the peace mission of Card. Zuppi."

In Guangxi, Rev Park Guangzhe was held in "administrative detention” for 15 days. In Wenzhou, the campaign to remove crosses from churches starts up again, and now entails removing plaques with references to Jesus as well. As of 1 September, new rules impose further restrictions on religious activity and bans foreign links.

Some 50 young Chinese made it to the WYD, evidence of the Church's care for their country and community, despite difficulties. Yesterday the pope met a group of young Turks from the areas affected by last February’s earthquake. Today he met charity workers and volunteers, praising “concrete” love that “gets its hands dirty".

Today's news: Hong Kong’s new cardinal says a liaison office is a matter “between the two governments," but stresses his diocese’s role as a potential "bridge" between China and the Vatican. India and Bhutan report a significant rise in the number of wild tigers. The United Arab Emirates will allow protesters to “assemble peacefully” during COP28. A “delicacy" in many countries, frog legs shortages are reported in Indonesia and Vietnam. Russia speeds up building its own "sovereign internet".

Vatican sources tell Reuters that President Võ Văn Thưởng will be in Rome for the signing of the agreement. Such a deal corresponds to Card Parolin’s request for a “permanent liaison office” in Beijing. Meanwhile, Chinese Catholic websites have not reported Pope Francis’s recognition of Shen Bin as bishop of Shanghai.

For Father Criveller, PIME missionary and China expert, by appointing Shen Bin as bishop of Shanghai, the pope shows that he cares for the people of God and we are with him. But Card Parolin’s interview clearly indicates that the Holy See is disappointed by the situation. It is hard to imagine that Chinese authorities, who are bent on nationalising religions, would stop acting unilaterally.

In a conciliatory move, Francis has decided to accept Bishop Shen Bin’s irregular transfer "for the good of the diocese”. In an interview, Secretary of State Card Pietro Parolin explains the papal decision. In it he calls for dialogue to continue but urges Chinese authorities to stop acting unilaterally. He stresses the need for regular communications between bishops and the pope and respect for underground communities. He expresses hope that the Holy See might open a liaison office in China.

In mainland China, Catholic communities have expressed joy at Pope Francis’s choice. For PIME missionary and China expert Fr Gianni Criveller, this is a sign of the pope’s closeness to the suffering caused by China’s national security law. With Zen and John Tong (respectively in their nineties and eighties), Hong Kong will now have three cardinals.

Consistory called for Sept. 30, on the eve of the Synod. Asians include Bishop Sebastian Francis of Penang. Pontiff's "sorrow" over new violence in Holy Land, hope for resumption of "direct dialogue." At Angelus Francis recalls the "things" that God has "hidden" from the wise and revealed to the "little ones" who know how to "welcome" them.