Development of Vatican-Sino Relations: Perspectives on “Principle” and “Consensus”

Abstract

The Vatican and China have engaged in informal and intermittent negotiations aimed at establishing diplomatic relations since the early 2000s, with occasional progress, including “the provisional agreement,” which covers the Catholic Church’s religious activities in China. However, formal diplomatic relations between the Vatican and China have yet to be established. The reason why is thought to be related to differences in perception regarding religion between the Vatican, which is considered one and the same with the Catholic Church and the Holy See (Roman Curia, Curia Romana), and China, whose religious policy is based on atheism. In addition, “the Chinization of religion” (Zongjiao zhongguo hua), a new religious policy promoted by president Xi Jinping, makes the situation more complicated and difficult. Under these circumstances, the Vatican strives to advance their diplomatic policy regarding China based on “principle” and “consensus.” The former encompasses the ideas symbolized in the Catechism as the religious and traditional norms of the Catholic Church, while the latter is aimed at realizing a common understanding that accommodates the religious and traditional norms of the Catholic Church.