China and Vatican agree to landmark deal on bishop appointments

In historic move, Pope Francis recognises seven Beijing-chosen bishops picked without Holy See approval.

Beijing's insistence that it must approve all bishop appointments in China had been a major obstacle to relations with the Vatican, which for its part insisted bishops could only be appointed with the consent of the pope.

There are an estimated 10-12 million Catholics in China, split between a government-run association whose clergy are picked by Beijing and an unofficial, underground church that is loyal to the Vatican.

"Pope Francis hopes that, with these decisions, a new process may begin that will allow the wounds of the past to be overcome, leading to the full communion of all Chinese Catholics," the Vatican said in a statement.

The provisional deal could see the church and the Chinese state jointly approve the appointment of bishops in the future and may help pave the way for formal diplomatic ties in the future.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/09/china-vatican-agree-landmark-deal-bishop-appointments-180922183828490.html