Exclusive: Vatican and China in final push for elusive deal on bishops

Reuters ^ | October 21, 2016 | Lisa Jucca and Benjamin Kang Lim

[ebb tide]

In yet a further sign of progress, the Vatican has reached a decision to recognize at least four Chinese bishops who were appointed by Beijing without the consent of the pope and so are considered illegitimate by the Holy See, according to Catholic Church sources and others briefed on the talks. The decision follows a breakthrough meeting in mid-August in Beijing between the Vatican representatives to talks with China and several of these bishops.

[ebb tide]

The latest developments are part of behind-the-scenes negotiations that have been driven by Pope Francis. A deal on the ordination of bishops would be a major leap forward in efforts to bridge a decades-old rift between the Chinese Communist Party and the Vatican.

[fieldmarshaldj]

Frankie has no problem with Communist puppet priests.

[piusv]

Someone needs to tell Reuters that it isn’t “ordination” but “consecration”. Priests are ordained. Bishops are consecrated.

[marshmallow]

There is also the issue of some 30 bishops who belong to the underground Catholic community and who, along with local priests, face pressure from the authorities to join the state-sanctioned Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association. The Vatican is hoping that China will recognize these bishops once the issue of the eight bishops it considers illegitimate has been resolved, say Catholic officials.

Good luck with that. Rome is effectively throwing the underground Church under the bus. It has remained faithful throughout constant suffering and persecution only to see the government lap dogs get the thumbs up.

Treachery in the name of "mercy".

[attiladhun2]

The Vatican is always ready to strike deals with totalitarian regimes. It is more concerned with protecting RC property than human rights.