Vatican and Beijing: A Delicate Balancing Act

Most of China’s roughly 10 million Catholics attend officially sanctioned churches but a substantial minority belong to the so-called “underground church”, attending masses in unapproved venues and private homes.

Under Pope Francis, the Vatican entered into an agreement with China in 2018 aimed at ending the division between the two Catholic communities by regularising the appointment of bishops.

But the agreement, which was renewed last October for four years, has drawn criticism from some Catholics who fear it cedes too much influence to the Communist Party.

Irish Times Beijing correspondent Denis Staunton explains the controversy and why Catholicism is growing in China.

Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon and John Casey.

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