China remains silent on Pope Francis's passing amid global mourning
The death of Pope Francis was not reported by Chinese government-controlled Catholic organizations. A day later, the websites and social media of the structures of the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association (CPCA) did not even mention it.
What do you need to know?
- Lack of information in China: A day after Pope Francis's death, Chinese Catholic organizations controlled by the government did not release any information on the matter.
- Reactions in the region: Dioceses in Hong Kong and Macau, as well as in Vietnam, published condolences and called for prayers.
- Temporary agreement with the Vatican: In 2018, Beijing and the Vatican signed an agreement regarding the appointment of bishops to improve relations.
Chinese state media only briefly reported on the death of Pope Francis, recalling his name and the date he was elected pope.
Chinese media silent on the death of the pope
Until Tuesday afternoon (Eastern Time), none of the dioceses, including the Beijing Archdiocese, nor the organizations affiliated with the Church noted this information.
The exception is the portal of the Catholic weekly Xinde, which on Monday published the Chinese translation of a statement from the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who manages the Church until Francis's successor is chosen, and encouraged the faithful to pray.
Despite Pope Francis’s notable efforts to advance dialogue with Beijing in recent years, it appears that any official reaction will depend on the Chinese Communist Party, which is expected to issue a response within the next few hours, according to the Catholic portal Asia News.
In Hong Kong, Bishop Stephen Chow, appointed by Francis as a cardinal in 2023, expressed condolences and called on the faithful to pray. The Diocese of Macau posted a photo of Pope Francis on their website, expressing sorrow over his death.
The Vietnam Bishops' Conference expressed that the global Church is in mourning for a compassionate, modest, and kind leader who consistently devoted himself to supporting the poor and the marginalized.
Since 1951, Beijing and the Vatican have not maintained diplomatic relations following Mao Zedong's ban on the Catholic Church and the establishment of the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association in its place. In 2018, a temporary agreement regarding the appointment of bishops was signed, which has been extended three times to improve bilateral relations.
