May 19, 2025
By Jena Johnson
On May 1, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) imposed new restrictions on religious activities. Although such restrictions in China are not new, these measures reflect a long-standing practice of intolerance, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for religious freedom. These new regulations were closely followed by the election of Pope Leo XIV, prompting media coverage to focus on the Catholic church’s responsibility in its relationship with China.
Last fall, the Vatican renewed its controversial deal with China, allowing another four years of CCP influence over the Catholic church in China. Pope Francis initially agreed to the deal in 2018. Full details of the China-Vatican deal are not disclosed to the public, but it is believed the agreement extends power to the Chinese government to appoint bishops. This power is presumably limited by the recognition of the pope’s ultimate authority in church affairs and seeks to establish compromise and cooperation between the Chinese government and the Catholic church.
Following the initial agreement, conditions for believers in China failed to improve. Since then, Beijing has repeatedly overstepped its bounds, implementing state-controlled practices in religious settings and demanding allegiance to the CCP authority over the pope. Officials even appointed bishops during the recent period of sede vacante—Latin for “the seat being vacant,” referring to the time between papal elections when no appointments are to be made.
While the China-Vatican deal has lately drawn the most media attention, it is not the only agreement the Chinese government has failed to uphold regarding religious freedoms. China has supported several international frameworks affirming religious freedom—including the UN Charter (1945), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1967).
China also ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) and the 2005 World Summit Outcome which both uphold the right to freedom of thought and belief. Within its own constitution, China has provided protections for religious freedom and consequences for officials who fail to provide those protections. Yet, despite these commitments, the Chinese government has consistently failed to safeguard religious freedom. Government officials are not being held accountable for religious persecution and intimidation. A culture of fear remains prevalent among the faithful Chinese, not only in the underground Catholic church but within other faiths.
Critics of the China-Vatican deal are concerned not only for Chinese Christians but all religious believers in the country. They worry that the China-Vatican deal allows for too much authority of the CCP in Catholic affairs, perpetuating government overreach into any religious sphere. The newly elected pope is being urged to prioritize a review of the agreement and press the Chinese government to end its religious persecution.
Catholics are invited to participate in a nine day prayer initiative to unite in faith for the benefit of believers in China, which goes until May 24, the proclaimed World Day of Prayer for the Church in China. Whatever your beliefs, religious freedom affects us all. Every person deserves protections for acting in alignment with their conscience. If you are a praying person, consider joining in prayer for the faithful in China. Staying informed and promoting open dialogue about events in China can also help to spread the message that religious persecution will not be tolerated.
