China Archives

Missionary bishop to China considered for beatification
- Catholic News Agency, Global Church
- August 11, 2017
According to the postulators of the cause for the sainthood of Cardinal Celso Costantini, if the Church in China could go underground after the Communist revolution and remain strong until now, it is mostly due to the work of the missionary bishop. The opening of the diocesan phase for his beatification has consequences today: It is reviving the discussion around the difficult current situation between China and the Holy See.
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Vatican official hints at unofficial agreement with China on bishops
- Catholic News Service, Global Church
- August 9, 2017
A process to normalize the appointment of bishops in China, so they are confirmed by both the Vatican and the ruling Communist Party’s Catholic bodies not affiliated with the Vatican, has been at the center of negotiations for three years.
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Chinese state media highlights Vatican official at organ trafficking conference in Beijing
- Global Church
- August 4, 2017
The Chinese state-owned Global Times, an English-language newspaper, has quoted Bishop Marcelo Sánchez Sorondo’s positive remarks about China. Sánchez Sorondo is in Beijing, and state media in the communist country usually does not draw attention to the presence of Vatican officials when they are in the country.
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New bishop for Hong Kong “better…in every way,” according to retiring cardinal

Bishop Michael Yeung Ming-cheung has become the new head of the Diocese of Hong Kong. Yeung, 71, was named coadjutor bishop last fall. He was born in mainland China, and has said he opposed independence for the former British colony, saying, “Chinese blood flows through my veins.”

China tells mainland media how to refer to retired Hong Kong bishop

In a list of guidelines containing more than 100 points, the Chinese government told journalists to use the title ‘former’ bishop of Hong Kong instead of ’emeritus’ when referring to Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun. The cardinal is an outspoken critic of the Communist party and has often advocated for human rights in the country.

Chinese official indicates Beijing to retain tight grip on church

Yu Zhengsheng, one of China’s top party leaders in charge of religion gave a speech in which he made it clear that the Catholic Church in China has to prioritize being Chinese. Due to events involving some Chinese Catholic bishops, relations between China and the Vatican have cooled.