Nancy Pelosi, known for her devout Catholic faith, has expressed strong disapproval over the Vatican’s recent agreement with China regarding the appointment of bishops. Her concerns raise fundamental questions about the delicate balance between maintaining religious autonomy and engaging diplomatically with authoritarian regimes. As the story unfolds, the implications of her critique become more profound. Vatican-China Deal Under Microscope Rep. Nancy Pelosi criticized the Vatican’s agreement with China on bishops. The deal, signed in 2018 and renewed until 2028, involves Chinese Communist Party input in appointing Catholic bishops. Aimed at unifying China’s state-sanctioned and underground Catholic communities, the agreement faces backlash for not safeguarding religious freedom. Critics argue it compromises the church’s autonomy, strengthening Beijing’s control over religious practices. A report from the Hudson Institute indicates increased persecution of Catholics in China since the agreement. Pelosi questioned the rationale of allowing the Chinese government a say in bishop appointments, citing the Gospel of Matthew. Her comments add to the voices concerned about the church’s relationship with nations with stringent control over religious expression. Challenges within the Catholic Church Pope Francis has taken steps to recognize Chinese-appointed bishops, like Bishop Joseph Shen Bin, despite breaches of the Sino-Vatican agreement. The Vatican announced recognition on July 15, three months after Shen Bin’s appointment. Cardinal Pietro Parolin expressed discontent with China’s post-agreement actions. The Vatican hopes Shen Bin’s recognition will help resolve issues in the Shanghai diocese, focusing on the status of auxiliary bishops. Happy birthday, @VP Kamala Harris! Today, we celebrate your visionary leadership and historic achievements. As you govern with @POTUS For The People, our nation is inspired by your unwavering fight to deliver a brighter future for all. Thank you for making us all so very proud! pic.twitter.com/WBhlutD50O — Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) October 20, 2024 Pelosi, however, faces criticism from Catholic leaders for her pro-choice stance, leading to her being barred from Communion by San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone. Despite this, she emphasized that her Catholic faith revolves around Christ as her savior, in her words, “It has nothing to do with the bishops.” Such declarations showcase the internal struggles faced by Catholic figures balancing personal faith with institutional alignments. Diplomatic Strains and Aspirations The Vatican aims to strengthen Sino-Vatican relations through dialogue, proposing to open a liaison office in China. So far, China hasn’t agreed to this development. Efforts continue to improve communication between Chinese bishops and the pope while seeking full recognition of all Chinese Catholics, including those in the underground church. Cardinal Parolin emphasized the importance of dialogue and mutual respect for fostering fruitful relations between the Vatican and China. The unfolding of events regarding the Vatican-China agreement reflects broader tensions within global religious politics. As influential figures like Pelosi raise questions, the international community watches how these debates over faith, autonomy, and diplomacy will evolve. Sources: Nancy Pelosi, California Dem, on Vatican’s bishop deal with China: ‘I don’t get that’ – Washington Times Pelosi Defies S.F. Archbishop’s Eucharist Ban for Pro-Abortion Politicians: ‘I Received Communion Anyway’ | National Review The Vatican’s Unholy China Deal – WSJ Analysis: Why Pope Francis recognized a bishop appointed in violation of Vatican-China deal | America Magazine The post Pelosi Voices Concerns Over Vatican’s Secret Deal with China on Bishops appeared first on The Conservative Brief.