Vatican and China extend their deal on bishop appointments

By FRANCES D’EMILIO
Associated Press

ROME (AP) — The Vatican and China have extended their oft-criticized deal on the appointment of bishops. The Holy See announced the latest, two-year renewal of the 2018 arrangement in a brief statement. It said the Vatican was committed to “constructive dialogue” with China on implementing the accord and in improving bilateral relations. Full details of the agreement never have been made public. In the past, conservative Catholics slammed the Vatican-China deal in view of China’s persecution of people practicing their religions. China’s Catholics have been divided for decades between those who belong to an official, state-sanctioned church and an underground church loyal to the pontiff.