The agreement reached between the Vatican and the Chinese government to share approval of candidates for bishop and the recognition of previously excommunicated bishops (created by the government) demands comment from Bishop Peter Jugis.
Does he support and agree with the Vatican’s decision? If so, will all future Chinese candidates have to agree to comply with the government’s policy of one child per family, as well as their official policy of approving of abortion, to be “approved” as a candidate for the office of bishop? Further, are Church teachings, past, present and future, subject to approval of the Chinese government?
To say the government acknowledging that the pope is the spiritual leader of all Chinese Catholics as a reason to make this agreement is ridiculous. By definition, the pope is the spiritual leader of all Catholics regardless of where they live. By this agreement, the Vatican has moved the Church back to the 16th century when Henry VIII made bishops for Rome’s approval. Which country will be next to want “approval”?
A much larger question remains open in the minds of many laity: Given the current hierarchical sex abuse scandal and now this bizarre agreement with China, is the papacy of Pope Francis out of control?
Stephen F. Bagnell lives in High Point.