Pope Leo faces challenge with Chinese Communist Party

Pope Leo XIV made history as the first North American pope, celebrating his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel on Friday. The new pontiff reflected on the weight of his election, calling it both a cross and a blessing. As he steps into his new role, questions have arisen surrounding a controversial deal brokered by Cardinal Pietro Parolin between the Vatican and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in 2018.

The agreement, championed by the late Pope Francis and Parolin, aimed to “normalize” Catholicism in China. However, critics argue that it has given the CCP too much control over the Catholic Church in the country. One of the key points of contention is the CCP’s requirement that all Catholic clergy register with its Patriotic Association, undermining the authority of the pope to appoint bishops.

Nina Shea, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, highlighted the dangers of this agreement, noting that it erodes papal authority and places the chain of command in the hands of the CCP. Furthermore, the deal led to the Vatican withdrawing its support for the underground Catholic network in China, which has been a lifeline for millions of faithful Catholics in the country.

The CCP’s ban on children from participating in the Catholic Church, including essential sacraments like baptisms and holy communion, threatens the future of the Church in China. Shea described this move as part of a broader campaign to create an atheist society, endangering the survival of the Catholic Church in the country.

As Pope Leo XIV takes on his new role, the Vatican’s stance on the CCP deal remains uncertain. While the agreement was intended to promote religious freedom and reconciliation, it has raised concerns about the Church’s independence and the future of Catholicism in China. The new pontiff emphasized the need for missionary outreach and the fight against rising atheism in his first homily, calling for a renewal of faith in a society plagued by moral decay.

While world leaders congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his appointment, China remained silent, offering a message of hope for constructive dialogue and improved relations between the Vatican and China. As the new pontiff navigates these complex challenges, the future of the Catholic Church in China hangs in the balance.