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Pope Approves Joseph Chang’s Ordination, Ends 18-Year Chifeng Vacancy

7/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Joseph Chang Yanfeng was ordained bishop of Chifeng on Wednesday.
Pope Leo XIV approved the appointment on June 15 under the 2018 provisional agreement with Beijing.
The ordination ends a vacancy that began after the 2006 death of Andreas Zhu Wenyu, who lacked a papal mandate.
Bishop Paul Meng Qinglu, deputy chairman of the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, presided, with about 400 clergy and lay representatives attending.

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Story summary

Joseph Chang Yanfeng was ordained bishop of Chifeng on Wednesday.
Pope Leo XIV approved the appointment on June 15 under the 2018 provisional agreement with Beijing.
The ordination ends a vacancy that began after the 2006 death of Andreas Zhu Wenyu, who lacked a papal mandate.
Bishop Paul Meng Qinglu, deputy chairman of the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, presided, with about 400 clergy and lay representatives attending.