Human Rights Watch (HRW) has recently called upon the newly-elected Pope Leo XIV to promptly reevaluate the Vatican’s 2018 agreement with China concerning the appointment of bishops. The agreement, established between the Holy See and the Chinese government, was designed to resolve longstanding conflicts between state-sanctioned churches and those underground communities loyal to Rome. It allowed for the Chinese appointment of bishops to government-sanctioned churches. HRW, however, has expressed concern that this agreement may have further curtailed religious freedom within China, potentially intensifying the repression of unregistered religious groups, a situation echoed by the fact that the Chinese Constitution only nominally guarantees religious freedom.
The rights group has highlighted specific instances where Beijing allegedly violated the agreement, such as appointing a bishop in a diocese unrecognized by the Vatican. This effectively underscores HRW’s concerns about the agreement’s implications for religious practice in China. Despite having veto power, the Vatican has reportedly not used this authority to address these violations.
The backdrop to these developments includes an already contentious environment for religious practice in China. For instance, new regulations were instituted by the China State Administration of Religious Affairs, which banned foreign organizations and individuals from disseminating religious content online. Moreover, HRW has also been vocally critical of China for its treatment of Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims, accusing it of crimes against humanity.
With these pressing issues in mind, HRW’s associate China director, Maya Wang, has urged Pope Leo XIV to engage in negotiations aimed at improving religious freedoms for all in China. Full article available here.