In line with the Vatican’s secret deal with China, a new bishop of Chongqing was consecrated for the see today, after having been elected by the state-church in April.
As announced by the Holy See Press Office on September 8, Andrea Ding Yang was consecrated as ordinary of the see of Chongqing. He had been elected by the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association (CCPA) – the state church loyal to Beijing and Communist ideology – on April 15, and appointed by Pope Leo XIV on July 28.
The Vatican’s announcement noted that the new bishop had been approved by the Pope under the terms of the Vatican’s deal with China regarding the selection of bishops. As ever, the details shared by the CCPA made no mention of Pope Leo’s appointment of Yang, since the state church does not recognise the authority of the Holy See.
