Vatican extends, defends secret deal with China on making bishops

A controversial deal between the Vatican and the Chinese government on the appointment of bishops was extended on Saturday, according to church officials, who defended the controversial accord as an important step in restoring relations between the two countries.

The agreement, signed initially in 2018 and renewed two years later, is still referred to as “provisional,” and its content remains secret, likely in part because the Vatican recognizes the unpopularity of sharing the appointment of bishops with communist leaders. Under the deal, Beijing provides a short list of candidates, and the pope  has the final say.

Pope Francis’ critics say the deal concedes too much to Beijing and limits the Vatican’s ability to condemn human rights violations in the country.