ROME. The Vatican extended another olive branch to China on Tuesday, reiterating its respect for Beijing’s sovereignty while acknowledging past missteps by Western missionaries in China’s Catholic history.
The Vatican convened a momentous event at the Pontifical Urbaniana University, commemorating a pivotal 1924 meeting that advocated for the transition of leadership in the Chinese Catholic Church from foreign missionaries to local clergy. This gathering saw the participation of Bishop Joseph Shen Bin, representing China’s bishops conference, alongside Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, in a historic display of collaboration.
The presence of Bishop Shen at this public Vatican event marked a departure from past practices, highlighting a potential thaw in relations between the Holy See and Beijing. This gathering also shed light on the contentious appointment of Bishop Shen in 2023, where Pope Francis reluctantly acknowledged China’s decision despite concerns over procedural violations.
In his opening remarks, Pope Francis referenced the significance of the 1924 meeting, emphasizing its role in shaping the future of Vatican-China relations. He underscored the importance of a “Chinese face” for the Church in China, acknowledging past Western missionary attitudes that hindered indigenous leadership and contributed to historical tensions.
The Vatican’s efforts to mend ties with China stem from a desire to unify the country’s Catholic community, which has long been divided between state-sanctioned and underground churches. Overcoming decades of estrangement, both sides have sought common ground, with the 2018 agreement addressing the sensitive issue of bishop appointments.
Despite acknowledging challenges and occasional breaches of the agreement, the Vatican remains committed to dialogue with China, recognizing the complexities of balancing religious autonomy with state sovereignty. The 2018 deal, while imperfect, represents a pragmatic step forward in navigating the intricacies of Chinese religious policy.
As China tightens its grip on religious affairs, the Vatican’s engagement signals a willingness to engage constructively while upholding core principles of religious freedom and dialogue. The ongoing dialogue between the Vatican and China reflects a nuanced approach to navigating the intersection of faith and politics in a rapidly changing world.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
