A 2018 arrangement aims to ease a longstanding divide between an underground flock loyal to the pope and a state-backed official church. Critics say it accommodates Beijing communist government.
China and the Vatican extended a secretive deal regarding the appointment of bishops in the communist country.
Under the agreement, which has never been made public, the Vatican and Beijing agreed jointly to appoint bishops but Pope Francis has the final say.
The deal was signed in September 2018 and is still provisional but has been renewed twice.
“The Vatican Party is committed to continuing a respectful and constructive dialogue with the Chinese Party for a productive implementation of the Accord and further development of bilateral relations, with a view to fostering the mission of the Catholic Church and the good of the Chinese people,” the Holy See Press Office said on Saturday.
