Vatican-China Archives

Is now the time for the Vatican to double down on ties with Taiwan?

News Analysis
Nov 3, 2019

Being the lone state in Europe to still recognize Taiwan leaves the Vatican with exactly one thing China wants — which may just afford Rome the only leverage it’s likely to get.

Taiwan priest doubts Vatican-China deal exists ‘on paper’

Church in Asia
Oct 31, 2019

A top official in the Taiwanese Catholic Church has voiced doubt that a controversial secret agreement between the Vatican and China on the appointment of bishops actually exists on paper, suggesting that the deal was more of an exchange of words than formalities.

Where diplomacy fails, Taiwan touts freedom, democracy

Church in Asia
Oct 29, 2019

As Taiwan rapidly becomes increasingly isolated in the international community, having recently lost two more diplomatic allies, they are bolstering their image as a stable democracy where freedoms are enjoyed that are not in neighboring China.

Taiwanese authorities to Vatican: China deal not helping Catholics on the ground

Church in Asia
Oct 29, 2019

A year after the Vatican made its secret agreement with China on the appointment of bishops, top Taiwanese officials have voiced doubt that the deal is making a difference for Catholics on the ground, and voiced hope that the Holy See would not drop Taipei in favor of Beijing, as some fear.

Many think Chinese regulations designed to stymie worship, church growth

Catholic News Service, Church in Asia
Oct 24, 2019

Weeks after the first anniversary of the deal between the Vatican and the People’s Republic of China on the appointment of bishops — the first formal agreement between the two countries since the 1950s — Beijing promulgated a fresh batch of regulations governing places of worship.

Taiwan’s ambassador to Vatican blasts mainland China, aligns with Francis agenda

Church in Asia
Oct 4, 2019

Taiwanese Ambassador to the Holy See Matthew S.M. Lee has blasted mainland China over what he said is a lack of respect for basic freedoms and human rights, and aligned his embassy with key papal priorities, such as care for migrants and the environment.