A new bishop has been consecrated in China—filling a 70-year-long vacancy in the diocese of Zhengzhou. And this time, the consecration took place within the framework of the provisional agreement between the Vatican and the Republic of China.
This agreement was created in 2018 for the nomination of bishops. It has since been renewed every two years—but has not been free of tension. In July, Pope Francis recognized a bishop months after he was installed by Chinese authorities in violation of the agreement.
In an interview, Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin expressed dissatisfaction with this move of the Chinese authorities but also emphasized the Vatican's desire to move forward. The agreement is up for renewal once again this October.
The new bishop, Thaddeus Wang Yuesheng, was consecrated on January 25 and has served as a parish priest in China for over 30 years. He is the first bishop installed since 2022 within the terms of the provisional agreement.
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