Milan (AsiaNews) – China’s security police arrested Mgr Peter Shao Zhumin, underground bishop of Wenzhou (Zhejiang). The prelate was taken into custody today at noon in connection with the opening Holy Year Mass he celebrated publicly on 27 December, which was attended by 200 people.
As AsiaNews reported recently, the authorities claim that the religious service was “illegal” and a “serious crime” in violation of Article 71 of the Religious Affairs Regulations. For this reason, they imposed a fine of 200,000 yuan (US$ 26,500), which Bishop Shao challenged, insisting that the Church's activities do not violate the law.
As a result, the prelate was arrested for his own “safety”, the Public Security Bureau (PSB) claimed. His whereabouts are unknown and it is unclear how long he will be held. Among his flock, people are concerned about his safety and health.
Meanwhile, the PSB and the Religious Affairs Department reportedly stopped several hundred people from taking part in a pilgrimage organised by the Cangnan parish, which is part of the Wenzhou underground Church.
Over the past few years, every Sunday, plainclothes agents have also entered underground churches in Wenzhou, to stop children and teenagers from attending.
More recently, the PSB has changed methods, delegating surveillance to neighbourhood authorities. Officials are deployed to watch churches from 7 am until noon, not only to prevent children and teenagers from entering, but also to prevent priests from celebrating Mass.
Bishop Shao has refused to join Catholic bodies controlled by the Communist Party of China and for this reason he is not recognised by the authorities.
As AsiaNews previously reported, Benedict XVI appointed the then 43-year-old in 2007 as coadjutor bishop and successor to Mgr Vincent Zhu Wei-Fang, who passed away in September 2016.
For his refusal to join the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, the authorities consider the episcopal see to be vacant and back Fr Ma Xianshi, a "patriotic" priest, as the leader of the local Catholic community.
For its part, the Wenzhou underground community has launched a prayer campaign to support Bishop Shao who has been arrested several times over the past few years.
On 25 February, Bishop Shao sent a letter to the entire diocese inviting the faithful to pray for Pope Francis, accompanying him with Mass and the recitation of the rosary, urging God to support the pontiff in his illness with the Lord’s grace.
