The appointment’s announcement explained that, by the appointment of Shen Bin, the Pope wanted the good of the diocese. But Cardinal Parolin’s intervention shows the disappointment of the Holy See in the situation imposed on it. And it is hard to imagine that the Chinese authorities, so determined in their policy of the sinization of religions, will stop these unilateral gestures.
Some observers foresaw that sooner or later it would come to this: the endorsement, even reluctantly, of the Chinese authorities decision last April. Many Catholics, from Hong Kong and elsewhere, see the papal decision as yet another capitulation to the abuses of Beijing’s religious policy, which is trampling on the 2018 agreement and has been renewed twice.
By accepting the transfer of Shen Bin to Shanghai, the Pope still wants to continue to build on the dialogue with China. Cardinal Parolin would like to see the creation of a stable communication office between the two parties. The Holy See continues to believe – despite everything – in dialogue, but are the speakers on the same wavelength?
Can an office resolve what appears to be a strategic choice on the Chinese side: the unilaterally pursuit of a religious sinization policy? It is not so much the lack of liaison tools as the lack of dialogue on the part of the Chinese authorities that makes things difficult. And it is hard to imagine that this unilateral Shanghai episode will be the last.
In any case, there is not only concern for safeguarding the Agreement, the only channel of formal communication, even imperfect, between the Holy See and China. The Vatican is also worried about the terrible ecclesial situation in which the Diocese of Shanghai is located.
The interview of Cardinal Parolin contains a reference to the person of Joseph Shen, the young Bishop of Shanghai, also president of the Council of Chinese Catholic Bishops (according to the Vatican’s communiqué) [a body linked to the Communist Party, ed.]. Shen is described as a “respected pastor,” although he apparently did not inform the Holy See at the time of his transfer.
Shanghai has been without a bishop for a good 10 years. The last bishop, Aloysius Jin Luxian, died on April 27, 2013. The authorities prevented the two auxiliary bishops from exercising their ministry. Bishop Thaddeus Ma Daqin is under house arrest in Sheshan Seminary, and the political authorities even wanted to abolish his episcopal status.
As for Bishop Joseph Xing Wenzhi, he has “retired to a private life.” Cardinal Parolin made a point of mentioning these two bishops in his presentation.
What will Bishop Shen Bin do now, with the papal recognition and support of the political authorities? He could clarify the position of his two auxiliaries and give them a life worthy of their state. It will be important to consider the reactions of Catholics in Shanghai, including those who refuse to align themselves with the government’s positions.
The Catholic community of Shanghai was founded in 1607 by Paul Xu Guangqi, the best friend, collaborator, and disciple of Matteo Ricci, and himself one of the pillars of Chinese Catholicism. It is entering a new difficult and uncertain chapter in its journey. May God keep it in his care.
The Vatican Press Office announced that the Pope had appointed Joseph Shen Bin as Bishop of Shanghai, China, transferring him from the Diocese of Haimen (Jiangsu). At the same time, the Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, gave an unusual interview “to the Vatican media.” The formula used makes it a true declaration, without formality.