Benedict Rogers criticizes the Vatican’s recently renewed agreement with China, deeming it a betrayal of loyal Catholic bishops and a manifestation of the Vatican’s complicity in Chinese human rights abuses. Key concerns include the lack of transparency, the CCP’s influence in bishop appointments, and Pope Francis’s silence on critical human rights issues. Rogers urges Catholics worldwide to speak out and advocate for their persecuted brethren.
In a passionate critique, Benedict Rogers, co-founder of Hong Kong Watch, denounces the recent four-year renewal of the Vatican’s secret agreement with China concerning the appointment of Catholic bishops. Signed initially in 2018, the agreement has only fueled skepticism among many for its opaqueness, lack of oversight, and disregard for the interests of Chinese Catholics. Rogers describes the renewed agreement as ‘a deal with the devil’ given the ongoing reports of human rights violations in China. Rogers highlights the alarming secrecy surrounding the deal, questioning why such a supposedly beneficial agreement remains undisclosed. He argues that if both parties have nothing to hide, transparency should be prioritized. The second major concern raised is the troubling implication of the Vatican allowing the repressive Chinese Communist Party (CCP) significant say over bishop appointments, which he sees as a blatant betrayal of loyal Catholics who risk their lives in adherence to the Vatican’s guidance. Furthermore, Rogers criticizes Pope Francis’s silence regarding China’s egregious human rights violations amidst escalating oppression of various religious groups. The Pope’s lack of commentary on high-profile cases, such as those involving imprisoned Catholics, raises questions about the Vatican’s commitment to advocating for human rights. He warns that the history of broken promises by the Chinese government flirts with futility, noting that agreements made with regimes that disregard law and rights are often as worthless as the paper they are written on. The renewal of the deal does nothing to enhance the precarious situation of Chinese Catholics and only perpetuates their suffering. The dire situation faced by numerous bishops in China starkly contrasts with the Vatican’s quiet diplomacy. Rogers cites a Hudson Institute report that reveals ongoing persecution of bishops and other church leaders, illustrating the severe conditions that unyielding Catholic leaders endure. He expresses grave disappointment at the Vatican’s inability to condition negotiations on the freedom of imprisoned bishops—an oversight that seems unforgivable in light of the critical human rights concerns at hand. In his impassioned conclusion, Rogers implores all Catholics to be vocal advocates for those suffering in silence, particularly if the Vatican remains mute. His message resonates with urgency: “If the Vatican won’t speak out, then ordinary Catholics should do so, and at the very least pray for these ten bishops and for all persecuted Catholics in China.”
The Vatican’s agreement with China, aimed at managing the appointment of Catholic bishops, has faced intense scrutiny since its inception in 2018. Observers highlight a troubling lack of transparency and a growing pattern of repression against religious freedoms under the Chinese Communist Party. Benedict Rogers, a noted human rights advocate, has taken a firm stance against this agreement, arguing that it fails to protect loyal Catholics and instead facilitates their oppression. With escalating human rights abuses reported in China, the apparent complicity of the Vatican raises serious questions about its moral stance and commitment to religious liberties for Catholics in the region.
In summary, the Vatican’s renewal of its agreement with China is fraught with issues, ranging from secrecy and betrayal of loyal Catholics to a troubling silence on human rights abuses. Rogers’s critique underscores the need for transparency and accountability from the Vatican, urging Catholics globally to take a stand and advocate for those suffering from severe repression. The call to action is clear: if the Vatican chooses silence, the faithful must not remain voiceless.
Original Source: catholicvote.org
