Franklin Wolf | Commissioner on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom | China Aid Advisory Board website
(Rome, Italy – May 28, 2024) The Pontifical Urban University in Rome organized a conference on May 21 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first and only Council of the Catholic Church in China. Pope Francis and other Church leaders delivered messages on the Catholic faith in China.
Known as the "Concilium Sinense (the Catholic Church’s first Council in China)," it was led by Archbishop Celso Costantini, the first apostolic Delegate to China. The council, held in Shanghai in 1924, aimed to revitalize the Church’s mission in China. Pope Benedict XV had asserted that faith in Christ "does not belong exclusively to a certain nation." Most attendees were foreign-born bishops, vicars general, religious, and priests who had traveled to China as missionaries.
"The Lord in China has safeguarded the faith of the people of God along the way. And the faith of God’s people has been the compass that has shown the way throughout this time, before and after the Council of Shanghai, until today," said Pope Francis. He added that "those who follow Jesus love peace" and find themselves aligned with all those working for peace.
The Pope's video message was shown at the beginning of the day-long conference. The event was co-hosted by Fides, a Vatican news agency, and the Pastoral Commission for China.
Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin attended and expressed hopes for a "stable presence in China," according to Vatican News.
Bishop Joseph Shen Bin of Shanghai also spoke at the meeting. He emphasized building a Church that conforms to God's will while embracing China's cultural heritage. Bishop Shen Bin noted that since 1949, despite adapting to new political systems, "the religious freedom policy implemented by the Chinese government had no interest in changing Catholic faith but hoped clergy would defend Chinese interests."
He called on Chinese priests and faithful "to love their country and their Church" and align with societal well-being.
The Associated Press highlighted Bishop Shen Bin's presence alongside Cardinal Parolin as noteworthy; it marked a rare instance where a mainland bishop participated publicly at a Vatican event as keynote speaker.
Joseph Shen Bin was appointed bishop last year without prior consultation with Holy See officials per an agreement between Beijing and Holy See. However, Pope Francis later approved his appointment last July.
In February this year, three bishops appointed by Pope Francis were consecrated by China within one week.
Cardinal Parolin mentioned that establishing a permanent office in China would be significant for diplomatic relations with Beijing.
Official relations between Vatican City and Beijing ceased after 1949 but have seen attempts at improvement over recent years. Currently, there are about 12 million Catholics divided between an official Patriotic Church loyal to Beijing and an underground church loyal to Rome.
A secret agreement signed in 2018 allows Beijing to appoint bishops with prior consultation from Holy See; these appointments must be approved by Pope Francis.
In his address opening assembly commemorations without referring recent disputes between Holy See & China emphasized Council Shanghai was “an authentically synodal experience” crucial step path Catholicism within region recognizing need “increasingly have Chinese face.”
Pope stressed following paths conforming nature mission urging participants remember future suggesting new bold paths proclaiming Gospel present times.
