The Vatican press office has issued a partial explanation of the announcement earlier this week that Pope Leo XIV has created a new diocese in Zhangjiakou in northern China.
The Catholic Herald reported that on 11 September the Holy See confirmed that the Diocese of Zhangjiakou has been formally established in a territory where the Chinese Patriotic Association had unilaterally created a diocese in 1980 without papal approval.
By recognising the territory, the Vatican has enabled the installation of Bishop Joseph Wang Zhengui as diocesan bishop, whose authority is now accepted both by the Chinese government and the Holy See. Bishop Joseph Ma Yan’en has also taken office as auxiliary bishop, with his ministry recognised by both sides.
