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.
Read also
DESS head: Revival of Judaism in Ukraine is a true miracle
Viktor Yelensky opened a school for Jewish boys in Anativka.
Metropolitan Onuphry shares how Saint Nicholas leads people to faith
In his sermon on the Feast of the Translation of the Relics of Saint Nicholas, the Primate of the UOC gave an example of a Soviet family that turned to the saint in despair and found faith.
Priest of Pokrovsk Vicariate of UOC killed in Kostiantynivka shelling
Archpriest Valeriy Voskresensky consciously remained at his parish in the Donetsk region, despite the constant threat of shelling.
Verkhovna Rada to consider bill on pornography decriminalization
The bill on decriminalizing pornography proposes to remove criminal liability for the production and distribution of pornography between adults.
Metropolitan Onuphry leads Liturgy at Intercession Monastery of Kyiv
On the Feast of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, the Primate of the UOC celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Saint Nicholas's Cathedral of the Intercession Monastery and offered prayers for peace in the Ukrainian land.
Persecuted community of Verkhni Stanivtsi celebrates archpastoral Liturgy
For the second year in a row, the parishioners have been celebrating their patronal feast day outside the walls of their church, which was seized by OCU supporters with police backing in April 2025.