Why has Pope Francis decided to recognize a bishop installed by Chinese authorities in violation of the historic Sino-Vatican agreement more than three months after he was appointed to China’s largest diocese?
VATICAN CITY (CNS) Pope Francis has rectified an irregularly appointed bishop in China for the greater good of the diocese, said Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state. The Holy Father has appointed Bishop Joseph Shen Bin as bishop of Shanghai, in continental China, transferring him from the Diocese of Haimen, the Vatican announced July 15.
Bishop Shen, 53, had been appointed to the Diocese of Haimen in 2010 with the consent of the two parties, that is, China and the Holy
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There are 10-12 million Catholics in China and the Vatican apparently feels little responsibility to stand up for them in their bid to win the freedom of worship.