The Vatican is strengthening its ties with China. But at what cost?

In the last decade or so there has been a thawing of relations between China and the Holy See. Sure, China can still be harsh in its treatment of some Catholics and the Vatican continues to maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but a change is coming. Earlier this year, there was talk of a potential deal between Beijing and the Vatican, which would see China recognising the Pope as head of Chinese Catholics, in return the Vatican would give the Chinese government a say in the appointment of bishops. This week, we hear from two sources close to the negotiations that the deal is to be signed imminently – before the end of September.

It’s no secret that Pope Francis has designs on China. Two years ago, he said that he would visit China if given the invitation, which rankled some. For a country that kicked out papal diplomats in 1951, Francis was certainly turning the other cheek with China.