HISTORIC MOVE: First Chinese Bishop Appointed Under Pope Leo XIV Marks New Chapter in Vatican-China Relations

VATICAN CITY – June 12, 2025 — In a significant development for the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV has made his first episcopal appointment in China, signaling continued cooperation under the Vatican’s delicate agreement with Beijing.

The Holy See announced the appointment of Joseph Lin Yuntuan as auxiliary bishop of Fuzhou, a major diocese in southeastern China’s Fujian province. The nomination, made on June 5, is the first under the new pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, who succeeded Pope Francis last month.

“This event represents further fruit of the dialogue between the Holy See and the Chinese authorities,” the Vatican said, adding that the appointment is an “important step” in strengthening ties between Rome and the underground and state-sanctioned churches in China.

Although the Vatican and China have no formal diplomatic ties—with the Holy See maintaining recognition of Taiwan—the 2018 agreement allowing both sides a say in the selection of bishops continues to shape Church policy. The deal, renewed in 2024, has drawn criticism for allegedly giving Beijing too much influence over Catholic affairs.

The timing is also notable: during the transition between popes earlier this year, Beijing installed bishops in Shanghai and Xinxiang without Vatican approval—moves seen by some as asserting political dominance.

Now, with Pope Leo XIV officially confirming a bishop under the deal, the delicate balancing act between spiritual leadership and political diplomacy continues.