CONTROVERSIAL DEAL BETWEEN CHURCH, NATION

China and the Vatican are close to reaching a historic deal regarding the appointment of bishops, according to media reports. An agreement could be signed in a few months, said a senior Vatican source. If reached, it would be a breakthrough in relations for both parties.

But what exactly is in the pipeline and what would it mean for the country’s 10 million Catholics?

What are relations between China and the Vatican like?

Ties between two have long been strained by disputes over who can appoint bishops in the country.

China first broke off diplomatic ties with the Holy See in 1951, and many Catholics were forced to go underground during former communist leader Mao Zedong’s rule, emerging only in the 1980s when religious practices were tolerated again.

Today, Catholics in China face the choice of attending statesanctioned churches approved by Beijing or worshipping in underground congregations.

The underground churches recognise only the Vatican’s authority, whereas the Chinese state churches refuse to accept the authority of the Pope.

There are currently about 100 Catholic bishops in China, with some approved by Beijing, some approved by the Vatican and, informally, many now approved by both. Last year, Pope Francis made his thoughts about China known, saying that he would like to visit China “as soon as they send me an invitation”. The pontiff also added that he hoped there was the “possibility to have good relations with China”.

Chinese and Vatican officials have met at least four times since 2016 over the issue of the appointment of bishops, state media report.

What is in the agreement?

Under the agreement, the Vatican would be given a say in the appointment of future bishops in China, a Vatican source told news agency Reuters. For Beijing, an agreement with the Vatican could allow them more control over the country’s underground churches.

Globally, it would also enhance China’s prestige - to have the world’s rising superpower engaging with one of the world’s major religions.

Symbolically, it would the first sign of rapprochement between China and the Catholic church in more than half a century.

What will this mean for the country’s Catholics?

There are currently around 10 million Roman Catholics in China. It’s not certain how such an agreement will affect the community, though some are sceptical.