Despite the agreement with the Vatican, China continues to arrest priests, nuns, and believers who refuse to join the CCP-controlled Patriotic Church.
Pope Leo XIV is reportedly deliberating on the future of the recently renewed Vatican-China deal from 2018. Meanwhile, authorities in Beijing are intensifying their crackdown on Catholic conscientious objectors who oppose the agreement. They are part of an underground church that, in theory, should have merged with the government-controlled Patriotic Catholic Church and ceased to exist.
In the southeastern Chinese province of Zhejiang, particularly within the Diocese of Wenzhou, a concerning crackdown on the underground church has reached alarming proportions. This intensified campaign, which began in spring 2025, involves the systematic arrests of priests, nuns, and lay followers, the closing of places of worship, and coercive methods aimed at forcing clergy and believers into compliance with the Patriotic Catholic Church.
The immediate catalyst for this aggression stemmed from a pilgrimage abroad taken by a group of underground clergy and believers in 2024. Upon their return, authorities launched a baseless accusation of “illegal migration,” claiming they conducted religious activities while using tourist visas. This charge appears to be a mere fabrication, intended to coerce Bishop Shao Zhumin, a key advocate for conscientious objection, into conforming to the Patriotic Church.
The reality is stark: Bishop Shao faces a harrowing ultimatum—align with the Patriotic Church, and detained clergy will be freed; resist, and they risk facing formal charges.
Since April 2025, raids orchestrated by six government departments, including the Religious Affairs Bureau and local police, have terrorized Wenzhou’s underground chapels. Many priests have been forcibly evicted, worship spaces shut down, and the families of clergy threatened with job loss unless they convince their loved ones to switch allegiance. The result is staggering: 90% of underground worship sites are now closed.
While some communities have begrudgingly accepted Patriotic priests to keep their buildings, a significant number steadfastly refuse to accept communion from them. The faithful are left feeling demoralized, confused, and fearful. Even the mere act of sharing news regarding Bishop Shao’s repeated arrests online has led to disturbing repercussions, including interrogations.
Amid this turmoil, some priests expressing both concern and hope for a response from Pope Leo regarding the situation in China have made their voices heard. As one priest articulated to “Bitter Winter”: “Silence is not an option. We endure suffering due to our unwavering loyalty to Rome and the Church and our refusal to submit to bishops who prioritize allegiance to the CCP over fidelity to the Pope.”
Source: Bitter Winter
