The Holy See-China Agreement and Marian devotion

Historia mariana china

The interim agreement between the Holy See and the People's Republic of China, signed on 22 September 2018 and renewed in 2020, 2022 and 2024, has been a historic step towards the normalization of relations between the Catholic Church and the Chinese government. Marian devotion has been a key factor in this process of approach.

The content of the agreement

The interim agreement establishes a mechanism for the appointment of bishops in China. According to the agreement, the Pope has the right to veto the candidates proposed by the Chinese government for the episcopate. This mechanism is intended to guarantee the communion of Chinese bishops with the Holy See.

The agreement also provides for the regularization of the situation of the bishops who had been ordained without the Pope's approval. Several bishops of the patriotic Church have been recognized by the Holy See in the framework of the agreement.

Marian devotion as a bridge

Devotion to the Virgin Mary has been a key factor in the process of rapprochement between the Holy See and the Chinese government. The Virgin Mary, as Mother of the Church, is venerated by both the Catholics of the clandestine Church and those of the patriotic Church.

The devotion to Our Lady of China, approved by Pope Pius XI in 1928, is a symbol of the unity of the Church in China. The image of the Virgin with the Child Jesus in Chinese imperial clothing is a sign of the inculturation of faith in Chinese culture.

The challenges of the agreement

The agreement has been criticized both inside and outside China. Some Catholics of the clandestine Church fear that the agreement will imply an implicit recognition of the authority of the government over the Church. Others criticize the lack of transparency in the process.

However, the Holy See has maintained that the agreement is a pragmatic step towards the unity of the Church in China, and that Marian devotion can be a factor of reconciliation and unity.

The hope of unity

The agreement has aroused the hope that the Church in China can reunite in the near future. The devotion to the Virgin Mary, shared by both communities, is seen as a solid foundation for unity.

Pope Francis has asked Catholics all over the world to pray for the unity of the Church in China, entrusting this intention to the intercession of the Virgin Mary.