Editorial | Renewal of Beijing-Vatican deal another step forward in normalising ties
- Despite pressure from the US and criticism that the agreement has so far achieved little, any move towards what supporters hope will be an eventual reconciliation is good for both sides
Beijing and the Vatican have renewed their controversial 2018 deal on the appointment of Catholic bishops in China – on the day it was to expire. It was not necessarily a foregone conclusion.
The Holy See stood up to pressure from Washington to scrap the deal to appoint bishops approved by Beijing, which does not have the unanimous support of Pope Francis’ own cardinals.
United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo openly tried to persuade the Vatican to adopt a hard line towards China over human rights and the treatment of ethnic minority groups.
The agreement was hailed as a breakthrough 67 years after the two sides broke off diplomatic ties in 1951. But there are mixed feelings about its renewal, with critics saying it has done little to improve relations between the two sides or even head off some tightening of policies.
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China and the Vatican renew controversial bishops deal after ‘good start’
Beijing said the Vatican and China would maintain close dialogue and work to improve ties. The Holy See said the initial application of the agreement had been positive.
Supporters see renewal as a positive step towards further improvement in relations and eventual reconciliation between the official church recognised by Beijing and the unofficial or underground church loyal to Rome.