Holy See satisfied with civil recognition of Chinese Bishop Zhang Weizhu

Vatican News 

“Satisfaction has been expressed with the news that today the episcopal dignity of Bishop Emeritus Joseph Zhang Weizhu of the Apostolic Prefecture of Xinxiang (Henan, mainland China) has received civil recognition.”

According to a statement issued by Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, on Saturday, “This measure is the result of dialogue between the Holy See and the Chinese authorities and represents a new and important step in the communal journey of ecclesiastical circumscription.”

On Friday, 5 December, the episcopal ordination of Bishop Francis Li Jianlin of Xinxiang took place. He had been appointed Bishop of the Apostolic Prefecture of Xinxiang (Henan Province, China) by Pope Leo XIV on 11 August.

The Pope approved his candidacy “within the framework of the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China” and accepted the resignation from pastoral governance submitted by Bishop Joseph Zhang Weizhu.