Pope Confirms Second Chinese Bishop Under Vatican-Beijing Agreement, Strengthening Church Ties
The Vatican has confirmed the appointment of Bishop Francis Xavier Duan Yongkun as coadjutor bishop of Bameng in Inner Mongolia, China. This appointment is part of the ongoing Vatican-Beijing agreement, which regulates the selection and recognition of Catholic bishops in China. Bishop Duan's ordination follows the appointment of another bishop in the region, marking the second such appointment in a week. The agreement, first signed in 2018 and renewed until 2028, allows the pope to have the final say on episcopal appointments, while the Chinese government must approve the candidates. This development is seen as a step towards cooperation between the Holy See and Chinese authorities, despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations since 1951. 
