One of China’s biggest challenges to its understanding of global Catholicism, Pope Francis, has died, but even in that case, China’s response was unusually muted. According to the Chinese government, this was the only official tribute from them since his passing. President Xi Jinping has yet to express condolences to Vatican, or the record 10 million Catholics currently residing within China’s borders. This omission serves as a reminder that the Sino-Vatican relations, fraught with complications for decades, remain complex.
The relationship between China and the Vatican has never been straightforward. Though necessary due to political sensitivities and decades of mutual mistrust, this context has colored their relationship for years. The Communist Party of China (CPC) shares the Vatican’s conservative approach with equal trepidation. This position underscores broader values that are bound to conflict with Beijing’s model of governance. Despite these challenges, both parties have engaged in constructive dialogue in recent years, raising questions about the future of their interactions.
Complicated Historical Context
Diplomatic relations between Beijing and the Holy See were cut in 1951. Since then, two distinct branches of the Catholic Church have emerged within China: the state-sanctioned Catholic Patriotic Association and the underground churches that remain loyal to the Vatican. Catholics in China continue to suffer, as this division underscores. In most instances, state compliance becomes more important than their religious adherence.
Pope Francis has been remarkably consistent in his enthusiasm for a visit to China since the beginning of his papacy. This is indicative of his perseverance toward mending relations between the Vatican and China. This trip never happened, causing many observers to wonder why and what lies underneath this surprising lack of progress.
“In recent years, China and the Vatican have maintained constructive contact and engaged in positive exchanges.” – Guo Jiakun
There are positive developments, such as the provisional agreement recently signed in secret between China and the Vatican. The terms of this deal remain a mystery. This cooperative agreement was a significant shift in the relationship between both parties. It exposed the need for transparency in their otherwise opaque relationship.
Current Relations and Future Outlook
The Chinese government has postponed acknowledging the death of Pope Francis. This reluctance underscores its current inability to handle its complex relationship with the Vatican, particularly against the backdrop of larger geopolitical rivalries. Observers note that this silence may be part of a larger strategy as China grapples with its engagement with the United States.
“Right now, one of the core challenges for China is its engagement with the US,” – Mr. Zhang
China likewise views Taiwan as a breakaway province and does not recognize as legitimate the Taiwanese government. This position complicates any diplomatic overtures by the Vatican. The Holy See is the only entity in the world to have formal diplomatic relations with Taipei, a fact which deepens Beijing’s distrust of Vatican diplomacy.
Guo Jiakun further underscored China’s desire to work with the Vatican to improve bilateral relations.
“China is willing to work with the Vatican to continue improving bilateral relations.” – Guo Jiakun
This joint work together is typically couched in terms of looking out for each other’s national interests. As Mr. Zhang pointed out, “Chinese policy towards the Catholic Church will be framed for the benefit of this challenge.”
Diverging Views on Patriotism and Faith
The CPC’s intolerance of competing religions is not less secular than the USSR. It’s inseparable from the CPC’s own nationalism. According to Mr. Zhang, under Chinese law only those appointed by Beijing are allowed to have any legitimacy within the Catholic Church. Consequently, all other appointments have no formal authority.
“Under Chinese law, they no longer have legitimacy. Those appointed by Beijing do.” – Mr. Zhang
This stance raises significant concerns among underground church members who feel betrayed by their leaders’ compromises with the state. These increasing pressures on religious institutions to value patriotism above all else make for a dangerous landscape for believers of all faiths.
“Whether it’s Catholicism or Christianity, the state demands [that people] love the country and love the religion, with patriotism first,” – Mr. Zhang
This state-imposed prioritization contradicts fundamental Christian teachings that emphasize love for God and others rather than allegiance to a nation.
As the jockeying over the next pope starts, doubts hang in the air over how he will treat China. The potential for renegotiating existing agreements or maintaining current diplomatic strategies remains unclear.
