In his first public comments on one of the most delicate diplomatic challenges facing the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV on Sunday called on the global faithful to pray for Catholics in China, urging unity and perseverance amid longstanding divisions.
Addressing pilgrims from the window of the Apostolic Palace during his traditional noontime address, Leo expressed solidarity with Chinese Catholics, praying that they remain joyful and steadfast witnesses of the Gospel even through adversity and always work towards peace and harmony. His remarks came a day after the global church observed the May 24 feast dedicated to Our Lady of Sheshan, a day of prayer for the Church in China instituted by Pope Benedict XVI.
Pope Benedict had introduced the feast day as part of his efforts to heal the deep rift within China’s Catholic community, estimated at around 12 million members, split between a state-run church that rejects the Vatican’s authority and an underground network loyal to Rome that has often faced government persecution. Pope Leo referenced the occasion, noting that prayers had been offered in churches and shrines in China and around the world, expressing care for the Chinese faithful and reinforcing their connection to the global Church.
Tensions over the Chinese government’s involvement in religious matters have simmered for decades, but in 2018 Pope Francis took a major step by reaching a provisional agreement with Beijing concerning the appointment of bishops. While the full terms were never made public, the deal granted Chinese authorities a role in the selection process, though Francis maintained the right to approve or reject candidates. The agreement has been met with skepticism, especially from conservative circles within the Church who argue it compromises Rome’s spiritual independence and leaves underground Catholics vulnerable.
Despite criticism, the Vatican has defended the deal as a pragmatic path forward and has renewed it periodically. Yet violations have reportedly occurred. Prior to the conclave that elected Leo as pope, Chinese authorities moved ahead with preliminary bishop selections without Vatican approval, an act that highlighted ongoing tensions and raised questions about the future of the accord.
Whether Leo XIV will extend the agreement remains uncertain, but his background may offer some insight. According to Cardinal Stephen Chow of Hong Kong, Pope Leo told him after the conclave that he had visited China several times and had developed a genuine appreciation for its culture and people. In a message shared through his diocesan newsletter, Chow said he had urged Leo not to forget China’s faithful. The pontiff’s silent nod, he said, was a reassuring gesture of commitment.
As a sign of hope and encouragement, Cardinal Chow presented the pope with a statue of Our Lady of Sheshan, a revered symbol among Chinese Catholics especially honored on the May 24 feast day. Chow, a Jesuit like Francis and Leo, has expressed optimism that the new pontiff will continue his predecessor’s cautious efforts to nurture dialogue with Beijing.
The Vatican’s relationship with China has remained formally broken since the communist revolution over 70 years ago, with both sides historically at odds over who holds the authority to name bishops, a core issue of sovereignty for China and one of apostolic succession for Rome. The 2018 accord aimed to bridge this gap by recognizing previously unapproved bishops and establishing a shared path forward.
