China’s Communist party appoints bishop in Shanghai without Vatican approval

St. Ignatius Cathedral, Shanghai. Photo: DR

On October 12, 2025, it became known that China had appointed a new Bishop of Shanghai – Joseph Wu Jianlin, representing the state-controlled Catholic Church in China. His consecration, scheduled for October 15 at St. Ignatius Cathedral, was initiated by the Communist Party of China without any coordination with the Holy See, Tribune Chrétienne reported.

According to the publication, the Vatican was not informed of the upcoming ordination. Neither the Pope, nor the Secretariat of State, nor the Apostolic Nunciature participated in the appointment process. This marks yet another instance in which Chinese authorities have unilaterally approved episcopal candidates, disregarding the terms of the 2018 China–Vatican agreement.

The appointment of Joseph Wu Jianlin is viewed as a new challenge to the Holy See. In effect, China is imposing its own ecclesiastical hierarchy, turning Catholic parishes into instruments of state ideology. In recent years, hundreds of churches have undergone “Sinicization,” while priests loyal to Rome have faced pressure and surveillance.

Cardinal Joseph Zen, the emeritus bishop of Hong Kong, had previously warned that the 2018 agreement was a “trap” that weakened the Holy See’s influence and endangered Catholics who remain faithful to Rome. Despite mounting criticism, the Vatican’s diplomacy has thus far remained silent.

Observers in Rome note that the new Pope, Leo XIV – who ascended to the papal throne following the death of Francis – now faces a major diplomatic test: balancing the need for dialogue with China against the duty to defend the Church’s freedom. The issue of the Shanghai bishop has become a symbol of this dilemma.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Vatican and the Patriarchate of Constantinople had announced the Pope’s upcoming visit to Turkey.

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