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Pope Appoints Bishop Amid Controversial China Agreement

6/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Joseph Lin Yuntuan as the auxiliary bishop of Fuzhou, a move that extends Pope Francis' contentious 2018 agreement with Beijing. While this nomination is welcomed by Chinese officials and seeks to heal the rift within China's Catholic community, critics warn it may undermine the underground church's allegiance. The Vatican insists this is the most viable path forward.

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Story summary

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Joseph Lin Yuntuan as the auxiliary bishop of Fuzhou, a move that extends Pope Francis' contentious 2018 agreement with Beijing. While this nomination is welcomed by Chinese officials and seeks to heal the rift within China's Catholic community, critics warn it may undermine the underground church's allegiance. The Vatican insists this is the most viable path forward.