Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Joseph Lin Yuntuan as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Fuzhou in China. This appointment is part of the ongoing Sino-Vatican deal, which was renewed in October 2024. The Vatican expressed satisfaction with the recognition of the appointment by Chinese authorities, marking a step forward in their dialogue. This decision is seen as a continuation of the controversial foreign policy, aiming to unify the Catholic flock and normalize relations. The appointment of Bishop Lin Yuntuan, who was clandestinely consecrated in 2017, signifies a shift in the Vatican-China deal.
14 days ago
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Joseph Lin Yuntuan as the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Fuzhou in China 1 4. The appointment, made on June 5th, was formally announced on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, coinciding with its recognition by Chinese authorities 3. This marks Pope Leo XIV's first appointment of a Chinese bishop and signals a continuation of the Vatican-China deal 2 5.
The appointment is framed within the context of the provisional agreement between the Holy See and the People's Republic of China 1 4. This Sino-Vatican deal, initially signed in September 2019 and renewed in October 2024, addresses the historically divisive issue of bishop nominations 1 2. The deal aims to unify the estimated 12 million Catholics in China, who have been divided between a state-controlled church and an underground church loyal to Rome 2 5. While the details of the agreement remain undisclosed, it allows the state-controlled church a role in selecting its leaders, with Pope retaining veto power 2 5.
The Vatican views Lin's appointment and its recognition by Chinese authorities as a positive step in the ongoing dialogue and a significant advancement for the diocese 2 5. However, the Vatican-China deal has faced criticism, particularly from conservative Catholics, who argue that it concedes too much to Beijing and compromises the underground faithful 2 5. Concerns have also been raised regarding unilateral appointments by the Chinese government without papal consent 2. Despite these concerns, sources indicate that Lin's appointment was initiated by Rome, with Beijing's subsequent agreement, marking a departure from previous patterns 3.
Bishop Joseph Lin Yuntuan, 73, was ordained as a priest in 1984 for the Fuzhou Archdiocese 1 4. He was clandestinely consecrated as a bishop in 2017 1 4. Prior to his recent appointment, Lin served in various roles, including parish priest, seminary teacher, and diocesan administrator 1 4. His appointment as auxiliary bishop was reportedly requested by Archbishop Joseph Cai Bingrui, the current head of the Archdiocese of Fuzhou 3.
The Church's authority defines episcopal appointments in diverse contexts.
The Catholic Church views episcopal appointments as essential to its structure and mission, with the Pope playing a central role . The Church's authority governs these appointments in various ways, reflecting the importance of maintaining unity and fidelity to the faith .
The Pope, as the successor of Peter, holds a unique position in the appointment of bishops . He is the head of the College of Bishops, the Vicar of Christ, and the pastor of the universal Church . The Pope has "full, supreme, immediate, and universal ordinary power in the Church, which he is always able to exercise freely" . This authority is rooted in the belief that it was given by Christ to Peter and his successors .
The selection of bishops is critically important for the Church . The Pope either freely appoints bishops or confirms those legitimately elected . The Holy See desires to be completely free to appoint bishops . The appointment of bishops by the Pope guarantees the unity of the Church and of hierarchical communion . Episcopal ordination without a papal mandate inflicts a painful wound upon ecclesial communion and constitutes a grave violation of canonical discipline .
Bishops are successors to the Apostles and are constituted in the form of a college or permanent assembly, at the head of which is Peter . They share in the power to make disciples of all nations, to sanctify and govern them . Bishops, in hierarchical communion with the Roman Pontiff, make up the College of Bishops in such a way that jointly they manifest and carry out in the Church the function of Christ, the Head .
The Second Vatican Council speaks of "Episcopal Collegiality," noting that Jesus chose the twelve Apostles and conferred on them alone his powers for their mission . The mission and powers of the Apostles passed to the Bishops . The Bishops form a unity, a "collegiality" with Peter, that is, with the Pope, as their Head .
The selection of bishops involves a process of careful consideration and prayerful reflection . Every three years, bishops of an ecclesiastical province or a conference of bishops are to compose a list of presbyters suitable for the episcopate and send it to the Apostolic See . Each bishop can also individually make known to the Apostolic See the names of presbyters whom he considers worthy and suited to the episcopal function . When a diocesan or coadjutor bishop must be appointed, the pontifical legate seeks suggestions from the metropolitan and suffragans of the province, the president of the conference of bishops, some members of the college of consultors and cathedral chapter, and other clergy and laity .
The Church recognizes the importance of governmental authorities being attentive to the choice of those who will lead and shepherd local Catholic communities . The Holy See desires to reach an accord with governments to resolve questions regarding the choice of candidates for the episcopate, the publication of the appointment of bishops, and the recognition of new bishops .
The Church's authority in episcopal appointments is a complex issue, reflecting the need to balance local customs and national interests with the Church's universal mission of unity, truth, and fidelity . The Pope's role is central, but the process also involves consultation with other bishops and consideration of various factors .