China-Vatican Relations

80 years of Chinese Catholicism

Yet where does Church stand?

Quinton Amundson · April 10, 2026

April 11 marks 80 years since Pope Pius XII issued the apostolic constitution Quotidie Nos, which established the ordinary ecclesiastical hierarchy of the Catholic Church in China and raised it from centuries of missionary status.

Pope Leo erects new diocese in China, names new bishop

Cindy Wooden · September 10, 2025

Pope Leo XIV formally suppressed two dioceses in China and erected a new one, which already had been operating without the Vatican's consent.

China recognizes papal appointment of auxiliary bishop in Fuzhou

Carol Glatz · June 11, 2025

Chinese officials recognized Pope Leo XIV's appointment of an auxiliary bishop in the province of Fujian, China, the Vatican announced June 11.

Difficulties with China already emerge for Pope Leo

Quinton Amundson · May 28, 2025

Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the Day of Prayer for the Church in China (May 24) in his May 25 Regina Caeli address, just as navigating relations with the Chinese Communist Party is already shaping up to be one of the thornier issues Leo will have to contend with during his pontificate.

Hong Kong cardinal hopeful new pope will continue dialogue with China

Junno Arocho Esteves · May 22, 2025

Reflecting on the conclave that saw the election of Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Stephen Chow of Hong Kong says he is hopeful the new pontiff will continue along the same path of dialogue and engagement with China as his predecessor—a deal that had prominent and outspoken critics.

Balance of power

China holds upper hand in Sino-Vatican deal

Quinton Amundson · October 30, 2024

China holds upper hand in Sino-Vatican deal

As 'fruit' of dialogue, China recognizes bishop, Vatican says

Justin McLellan · August 28, 2024

After five years of refusal, the Chinese government has officially recognized Bishop Melchior Shi Hongzhen as bishop of Tianjin, the Vatican said, in what it called "a positive fruit of the dialogue established over the years between the Holy See and the Chinese government."