The rise of China is Pope Leo’s pre-eminent challenge
The rise of China is the pre-eminent challenge for Vatican diplomacy.
AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia/Alamy
How he responds to the unilateral ‘election’ of two Chinese bishops in the days before his election will reveal how closely Pope Leo XIV intends to follow the diplomatic policies of his predecessor
China policy may have helped Leo get elected. Several cardinals, especially some from Asia, felt the man who had been widely tipped to succeed Francis, Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, had been naive in his dealings with Beijing. Parolin had negotiated the provisional accord between the Vatican and China over the appointment of bishops, first signed in 2018 and renewed every two years after that (with a four-year extension signed last autumn).
Get Instant Access
Continue Reading
Register for free to read this article in full
Subscribe for unlimited access
From just £37.50 quarterly
Print copy of The Tablet delivered directly to your door.
Complete access to all Tablet website content including all premium content.
Access to the weekly digital copy of The Tablet.
Full access to The Tablet’s archive – over 180 years of back issues.
Already a subscriber? Login
Help us keep The Tablet’s voice independent, clear and far-reaching.
Founded in 1840, The Tablet is the leading independent English-language Catholic weekly, celebrated for great writing, astute analysis, brilliant arts and books reviews and trustworthy reporting from correspondents in Britain, Ireland, Rome and across the world.
Independent, high-quality journalism is at the heart of what we do. The Tablet does not have deep pockets and we are not funded by rich donors. If you appreciate our work please consider supporting The Tablet’s Development Fund. It only takes a moment and you can cancel at any time.
- Support with £5 per month
- Support with £10 per month
- Support with other amount.
MOST READ ARTICLES
-
1
Archbishop of Cardiff-Menevia meets with other worldwide Catholic Church leaders to discuss liturgy
-
2
Let there be light
-
3
World Humanitarian Day: aid workers face a ‘crisis of protection’
-
4
Ruling allows French private hospitals limited exemption from assisted suicide
-
5
A tract for our times
-
6
The wisdom of the saints
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK
