The recent consecration of Father Wu Jianlin as auxiliary bishop of Shanghai highlights the persistent tensions between the Catholic Church and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This event comes under the renewed Vatican–China agreement from 2018, which aimed to ease relations between the two entities. However, on closer inspection, this relationship appears fraught with contradictions and challenges.
The CCP has thoroughly integrated itself into the lives of its citizens, overseeing everything from the economy to religion. This control extends to Catholicism, which it views as a rival to its authority. The state-sanctioned body, the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association (CPCA), requires clergy to pledge allegiance to the Party rather than the Pope. This reliance on the CPCA undermines essential Catholic doctrine, which prioritizes the authority of the papacy over that of any government.
Father Jianlin’s appointment underscores this complex landscape. His consecration, approved by Pope Leo XIV, was “elected” by the CPCA—a process that inherently compromises his legitimacy in the eyes of loyal Catholics. Bishop Joseph Shen Bin led the ceremony, an individual who exemplifies the CCP’s method of appointing bishops without Vatican consent, highlighting a continuing disregard for true ecclesial authority.
The CPCA enforces a strict regime where non-compliance can lead to severe repercussions. Many bishops have found themselves imprisoned, tortured, or forced into hiding for refusing to deny their allegiance to the Vatican. This reflects a broader pattern of persecution faced by the underground Catholic Church in China. Originating in the late 1950s, this underground faith community still exists today, fervently committed to their beliefs despite immense state pressure.
Church members who remain loyal to Rome are risking everything. An estimated six million individuals worship in unregistered house churches, often facing raids and arrests by the government. The underground Church embodies powerful defiance against the CCP’s insistence on sinicization—an attempt to reshape religious identity according to communist ideology. For these faithful, any declaration that elevates the Party above God or the Pope would equate to a betrayal of their deepest convictions.
Pope Benedict XVI previously characterized the existence of the underground Church as “not a normal feature of the Church’s life.” He urged for acknowledgment of their bishops so they could practice their faith without fear. His stance represents a profound commitment to the core beliefs of Catholicism, underscoring the disparity between the Party’s objectives and the spiritual mission of the Church.
The 2018 Vatican–China agreement has drawn criticism for not ensuring protections for underground clergy. While it aimed to facilitate dialogues regarding the appointment of bishops, it overlooked the safety and legal recognition of those who remain steadfastly loyal to Rome. Many within the Church argue that this oversight has emboldened the Chinese authorities, enabling them to intensify their crackdown on those who refuse to conform to the Party’s demands.
While some supporters of the agreement view it as a necessary compromise to maintain a Catholic presence in China, many are skeptical. They argue that it effectively grants the CCP increased latitude to suppress authentic Catholicism while providing a façade of diplomatic cooperation.
The case of Father Wu Jianlin illustrates the delicate balance required for Church officials operating within this landscape. As the situation evolves, the resilience of the underground Church serves as a testament to the enduring struggle for religious freedom in China. Their commitment to faith over conformity is both inspiring and alarming, revealing the broader implications of the intersection between politics and religion in contemporary China.
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