Bishop Francis Li Jianlin’s recent ordination as the head of the Apostolic Prefecture of Xinxiang marks a significant and troubling chapter in the relationship between the Vatican and the Chinese government. Li’s appointment on December 5 follows the resignation of Bishop Joseph Zhang Weizhu, who has been detained since May 2021—an event that has stirred concern among the underground Catholic community in China. This transition is emblematic of the challenges faced by Catholics who prioritize their loyalty to the pope over state-imposed directives.
Bishop Zhang was a hidden figure of faith, secretly ordained in 1991 but never acknowledged by the Chinese authorities. His detainment, occurring shortly after cancer surgery, raises questions about his autonomy and the circumstances of his resignation. Chinese authorities barred him from attending Li’s ordination, reflecting the state’s pervasive control over religious leaders and practices. As a result, the community of underground Catholics, those who refuse to conform to state mandates, is left grappling with the implications of these developments.
China enforces strict limits on religious activities, recognizing only five sanctioned religions that operate under the surveillance of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The state has effectively replaced the protective framework of the constitution with a subjective definition of what constitutes “normal” religious practices, often censoring and restricting clergy who do not align their teachings with socialist ideology. This legislative environment allows the CCP to assert its authority over religion, placing it directly under Party control. Minors are excluded from places of worship, and the integration of CCP teachings into religious sermons has become commonplace.
The Sinicization campaign aims to reshape religious texts and doctrines to reflect Party values. This includes a retranslation of the Old Testament and revised commentary on the New Testament, which not only distorts scripture but also illustrates the lengths to which the government will go to enforce its ideology. Such actions, including altering the Gospel of the woman caught in adultery, show a blatant disregard for the core tenets of Christianity in favor of promoting allegiance to the state.
Bishop Li Jianlin’s historical alignment with Party directives prompts skepticism about his capacity to advocate for the underground Catholic community, especially in light of his co-signing an order that restricts minors from attending Mass. Critics, such as Cardinal Joseph Zen, have denounced the 2018 Sino-Vatican provisional agreement, viewing it as a betrayal of those who have endured persecution for their allegiance to the pope. The worry is that this agreement may have emboldened the authorities to practice intensified repression, all while the Vatican appears to maintain silence on China’s widespread human rights abuses.
The resignation of Bishop Zhang poses crucial questions about autonomy. Issued during his detainment, the resignation casts doubt on its voluntary nature and highlights the harsh realities faced by underground Catholics. Many have remained devoted to the Vatican since the 1950s, preserving their communion with Rome amidst an oppressive environment. The split between the state-controlled Patriotic Church and the underground Church not only exemplifies a religious schism but also the ongoing struggle for identity and faith for many Chinese Catholics.
Despite attempts by the Vatican to unify episcopal appointments through diplomatic engagement, conditions for underground Catholics have worsened. Many priests and laypersons face imprisonment or coercive pressures to conform to the state-sanctioned church, leaving them to navigate treacherous waters between faith and survival. This comprises a powerful narrative of loyalty, suffering, and complex choices, with many being forced to compromise their beliefs for acceptance under a regime that prioritizes political loyalty over spiritual integrity.
Since the 2018 agreement, allegations of increased persecution have surfaced. Reports indicate that at least seven bishops have been unlawfully detained, while clergy face house arrests and fines for defying state regulations. The anticipation of a more stabilized church structure has instead yielded an environment rife with tension and fear. Thus, the situation for underground Catholics is precarious, as they continue to bear the brunt of a sustained and escalating campaign against their faith.
As Bishop Li steps into his new role, the future of religious freedom and the sanctity of faith in China remains uncertain. The Tibetan and underground Christian communities continue to exhibit resilience, but as the government tightens its grip, the path forward for these believers is fraught with peril. Their struggle stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith amid persecution, but it also highlights an urgent need for recognition and support in a world where religious freedoms are increasingly under siege.
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