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Pope Leo XIV Praises Chinese Catholics for Unity
Confirmed
In Short: Pope Leo XIV praised Chinese Catholics for their unity during a conference in Rome, marking 100 years since the consecration of their first bishops.
On Nov. 5, Pope Leo XIV delivered a video message at the Pontifical Urban University in Rome during the conference titled 'The Universal Face of the Church in China.'
The pontiff emphasized the Church's missionary work as a mission to bear witness to Christ in charity, not as a form of colonization. He highlighted the significance of six Chinese priests traveling from Shanghai to Rome in 1926 to receive consecration from Pope Pius XI.
Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the 'Sinicization of Catholicism' as an expression of authentic catholicity, stating that legitimate pastors have preserved apostolic succession. He noted that no shepherd in the Church can claim the mission as their own.
Bishop Joseph Li Shan of Beijing supported the 'Sinicization' campaign, asserting that it is not a departure from Catholic tradition. However, some attendees expressed concerns about the Chinese Communist Party's influence on the Church.
Pope Leo XIV praised the Chinese Church for remaining in communion with Rome, noting the importance of the six Chinese priests who traveled to Rome in 1926.
The pope emphasized that the Church's mission is to bear witness to the communion that springs from the faith of the apostles, and that no shepherd can claim the mission as their own.
In response to illicit appointments of bishops without papal approval, the Diocese urged Catholics to refrain from attending mass at certain chapels and stated that the SSPX bishops who carried out the consecration and those consecrated were excommunicated for schismatic acts.
Background
Surrounded by the tombs and monuments of Rome's largest cemetery, Pope Leo XIV celebrated All Souls' Day Mass at Campo Verano Cemetery on Nov. 2, 2026, according to Florida Catholic Media and TheCatholicSpirit.com.
What's confirmed
- The pontiff emphasized the Church's missionary work as a mission to bear witness to Christ in charity, not as a form of colonization. He highlighted the significance of six Chinese priests traveling from Shanghai to Rome in 1926 to receive consecration from Pope Pius XI.
- Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the 'Sinicization of Catholicism' as an expression of authentic catholicity, stating that legitimate pastors have preserved apostolic succession. He noted that no shepherd in the Church can claim the mission as their own.
- Bishop Joseph Li Shan of Beijing supported the 'Sinicization' campaign, asserting that it is not a departure from Catholic tradition. However, some attendees expressed concerns about the Chinese Communist Party's influence on the Church.
- Pope Leo XIV praised the Chinese Church for remaining in communion with Rome, noting the importance of the six Chinese priests who traveled to Rome in 1926.
- The pope emphasized that the Church's mission is to bear witness to the communion that springs from the faith of the apostles, and that no shepherd can claim the mission as their own.
- In response to illicit appointments of bishops without papal approval, the Diocese urged Catholics to refrain from attending mass at certain chapels and stated that the SSPX bishops who carried out the consecration and those consecrated were excommunicated for schismatic acts.
What's still developing
- Chow noted the suspicion with which Catholics are sometimes viewed in China, out of fear that their religion could be used as a tool of foreign influence.