Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Beijing (Agenzia Fides) – “China is willing to work together with the Vatican to promote the continuous improvement of China-Vatican relations (…) This appointment has enhanced understanding and mutual trust through constructive dialogue”, foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a regular news briefing held today, Thursday, June 12.
Following the “satisfaction” reported by the Director of the Vatican press office Matteo Bruni after the “recognition of the civil effects and the taking possession of the Office” of Joseph Lin Yuntuan as Auxiliary Bishop of Fuzhou, the Chinese government has also presented this first episcopal appointment regarding a Chinese bishop by Pope Leo XIV as a new and significant step in the ongoing dialogue between Beijing and the Holy See.
Pope Leo XIV appointed Lin Yuntuan as Auxiliary Bishop of Fuzhou on June 5, less than a month after the beginning of his Pontificate. Lin Jian remarked that “China and the Vatican have maintained communication and enhanced understanding and mutual trust through constructive dialogue strengthened mutual in recent years”.
The official installation ceremony took place yesterday, June 11, on the feast of the Apostle Barnabas, and was presided over by Vincent Zhan Silu, Bishop of Mindong, who had participated in the Synod of Bishops Assembly in Rome last October. Following the inauguration ceremony, a Holy Mass was celebrated, presided over by Joseph Cai Bingrui, Bishop of Fuzhou. Several Bishops from the dioceses of Fujian Province took part in the concelebration: in addition to Bishop Zhan Silu, Bishop Lin Yuntang and Bishop Wu Yishun of Minbei, along with about 80 priests and more than 200 nuns and lay people.
Following the election of Pope Leo XIV, China has shown a cautious openness toward a Pope of American origin, at a time when relations between China and the USA are going through a complicated phase from a geopolitical point of view. Yesterday's event and the statements from both sides suggest that the path between the Holy See and the People's Republic of China can continue on the path of dialogue.
After the election of Pope Prevost, Lin Jian himself, as the spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, expressed in a singular way the congratulations on behalf of China, starting with the unusual length of the text pronounced: "China congratulates Cardinal Robert Prevost on his election as the new Pope. We hope that, under his leadership, the Vatican will continue to engage in constructive dialogue with China, engage in in-depth communication on international issues of common concern, jointly promote the continued improvement of China-Vatican relations, and contribute to peace, stability, development, and prosperity in the world". (NZ) (Agenzia Fides, 12/6/2025)
