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Chinese officials have recognized the appointment of an auxiliary bishop in Fujian province, as announced by the Vatican on June 11. This marks Pope Leo XIV's first appointment of a bishop in China since his election on May 8.
In line with the Vatican-Chinese provisional agreement on bishop appointments, Pope Leo named Bishop Joseph Lin Yuntuan, aged 73, as auxiliary bishop of Fuzhou on June 5. The appointment was acknowledged and Bishop Lin was installed on June 11.
The Vatican and China renewed their agreement regarding the appointment of bishops in October 2024, extending it from two to four years. Originally signed in 2018, this provisional agreement establishes procedures for ensuring that Catholic bishops elected by the Catholic community in China receive papal approval before their ordination or installation. However, the agreement has not been made public.
Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office, commented on the installation ceremony held at Fuzhou Cathedral: “We are pleased to learn that today, on the occasion of (Bishop Lin) taking possession of the office of auxiliary bishop, … his episcopal ministry is also recognized for the purposes of civil law.”
“This event constitutes a further fruit of the dialogue between the Holy See and the Chinese authorities and is an important step in the journey of communion of the diocese,” Bruni added.
Fides, a Vatican news agency, noted that “the official recognition of Bishop Joseph Lin Yuntuan as auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Fuzhou was a long-awaited event for the local community.” Until now, Chinese government authorities had not recognized Bishop Lin’s episcopal office. He received his episcopal ordination in December 2017.
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Bishop Vincent Zhan Silu of Mindong and attended by several bishops from Fujian Province. The Mass was led by Bishop Joseph Cai Bingrui of Fuzhou. According to Fides, about 80 priests and more than 200 religious sisters and laypeople participated in the event.
