Beijing-Holy See Tensions: A Complex Religious Legacy

Beijing-Holy See Tensions: A Complex Religious Legacy

Why in News?

Pope Francis recently called for prayers for Chinese Catholics’ unity with the Holy See, emphasizing the need for Catholic unity and rekindling debates over the strained relationship between the Vatican and China. This highlights the ongoing challenges in China religion and Sino-Vatican diplomatic relations, especially amid the long-standing issues over religious freedom in China, Taiwan, and bishop appointments.

Historical Context of Catholicism in China:

• Catholicism first reached China in the 7th century via monk Aluoben, but was restricted in 845 CE by the Tang dynasty.
• Jesuit Matteo Ricci (1552–1610) helped spread Christianity by embracing Chinese culture and language.
• Taiping Rebellion (1850–64), partially inspired by Christianity, challenged Qing rule.
• After the 1949 Communist takeover, religion was seen as incompatible with socialist ideology, leading to increased religious repression in China.
• In 1951, the Holy See’s representative was expelled over espionage charges, severing diplomatic ties and initiating a long period of strained Vatican-China relations.
• It’s worth noting that Pope Leo XIII, who served from 1878 to 1903, played a significant role in shaping the Church’s approach to modernization and social issues, which indirectly influenced the Church’s global strategy, including its relations with China.

Recent Developments and Religious Restrictions

• In 2018, the Holy See-China agreement was signed, stipulating that the Holy See would have final say on bishop appointments in China, seen as a compromise under state pressure.
• Article 36 of the Chinese constitution recognizes religious freedom, but with strong Chinese government religious control.
• Only five official religions are recognized, including Catholicism, which remains under strict control by the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association.
• The Chinese Christian population, including the Catholic Church in China (10 million in 2020), is shrinking, with many followers part of the Underground Catholic Church China.
• Catholic persecution in China continues, with both the State-sanctioned Catholic Church China and underground Catholics facing various forms of pressure and restrictions.

Geopolitics and Religion Under Xi Jinping

• Tensions persist over Taiwan, with the Holy See being one of the few states to recognize it, against China’s “One-China” policy. This complicates China-Vatican negotiations and affects Taiwan diplomatic relations.
• Under Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party, religious groups face intensified sinicization of religion, seen as an effort to align all faiths with majority Han Chinese values.
• Crackdowns have increased, notably the Uyghur persecution and suppression of Tibetan Buddhism, highlighting broader issues of religious suppression and ethnic homogenization, raising concerns about human rights in China.
• The Vatican’s China policy under Pope Francis has sought to improve relations while navigating the complexities of Catholicism in communist China. This approach, part of the broader Vatican’s diplomatic profile, aims to balance engagement with protecting religious freedoms.
• The Chinese Catholic Church faces ongoing challenges, with the Chinese episcopate caught between loyalty to Rome and pressure from the Chinese government control.
• Underground Catholics continue to face persecution of Catholics, while the State-sanctioned Catholic Church in China operates under close government scrutiny. Prominent figures like Cardinal Joseph Zen and businessman Jimmy Lai have faced legal challenges, highlighting the plight of Hong Kong Catholics as well.
• The future of Vatican diplomacy with China remains uncertain, as both sides continue to navigate the delicate balance between religious freedom and state control in the world’s most populous nation. The ongoing dialogue reflects the complex interplay between China’s religious policies and the Church’s efforts to maintain its presence and influence in the country.