Vatican and China Extend Bishop Appointment Deal for Four Years

The renewed agreement marks a deeper level of trust, allowing Chinese input while maintaining the Pope's final decision-making authority.

The Vatican and China have renewed their 2018 agreement on bishop appointments, extending it for four years instead of the previous two-year renewals.
The deal allows Chinese authorities to nominate bishop candidates, with the Vatican retaining the final approval, though the exact terms remain undisclosed.
Critics, including Cardinal Joseph Zen, argue the agreement gives too much control to China, potentially undermining the church's autonomy.
The Vatican views the extension as a positive step towards resolving the division between China's state-sanctioned church and the underground church loyal to Rome.
The Holy See hopes the renewal will further improve relations with China and benefit the Catholic community there, despite ongoing concerns about religious freedom.