Beijing has sent condolences on the passing of Pope Francis, along with reassurances that China is ready to continue to work constructively with the Vatican.
Despite having no normal diplomatic relations as the Vatican is among a handful of states that still recognise Taiwan, the two sides have maintained a cordial relationship. The main reason is that Beijing and the Holy See have worked out an arrangement by which bishops are chosen in a way agreeable to both sides. This has encouraged the so-called underground church in China to emerge and practise their faith more openly, as they no longer need to follow bishops who may be appointed by the Vatican but opposed by Beijing.
This landmark arrangement, first reached in 2018, was renewed for four more years in October last year. The exact way it operates has not been publicly disclosed. Vietnam, another nominally communist country, has a similar arrangement to avoid conflicts with the Vatican.
It has stabilised relations between Beijing and the Holy See, and eased pressure on mainland Chinese Catholics. It has served their respective interests and so, for now, neither side is in a rush to reach formal diplomatic recognition.
This understanding was largely due to the liberality of the late Francis, and the diplomacy of his secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. They chose a conciliatory approach, as opposed to the hostile stances of some Western governments. But that was also the reason why local firebrand Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, the retired bishop and former head of the Hong Kong diocese, had been furious with his superiors.
He believed the Vatican had absolute authority to appoint bishops in China and as a matter of principle, should never consult Beijing. From the safety of Hong Kong, he had encouraged the mainland “underground” church to follow “unauthorised” bishops and confront mainland authorities.
