A Vatican observer is raising concerns over new efforts by the Chinese government to further entangle the Catholic Church in Hong Kong with the Communist regime’s influence.
In a report published Sept. 27, Daily Compass editor Riccardo Cascioli warned that Beijing is taking advantage of the transition to a new papacy to push for the appointment of a bishop who would “please Beijing.”
According to Cascioli, Father Peter Choi Wai-man, one of Hong Kong’s three vicars general, is at the center of the effort. He is expected to meet Pope Leo XIV in October, accompanied by Cardinal John Tong Hon, bishop emeritus of Hong Kong.
“The purpose of the audience scheduled for 4 October, at which Choi will accompany Cardinal Tong — who is also known for surrendering to Beijing — is likely to be this,” Cascioli wrote. “Tong intends to present Peter Choi to the Pope by sponsoring his candidacy for the position of auxiliary bishop, which would be a significant gift to the Chinese regime.”
>> Catholic analyst evaluates Beijing-Vatican roles in appointing bishops to China <<
Cascioli suggested that Fr. Choi’s potential appointment is part of a broader effort to bring the Catholic Church in Hong Kong under tighter control by the Chinese Communist Party and its religious arm, the Patriotic Association.
Fr. Choi has long been viewed as a favored candidate by Beijing. His name first surfaced in 2019, after the sudden death of Bishop Michael Yeung. While many expected Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing to succeed him, Cascioli noted that Ha’s public support for the 2019 pro-democracy protests — and his close ties to Cardinal Joseph Zen — made him a nonstarter for the Chinese government.
>> Anti-communism hero Cardinal Zen returns to Hong Kong after trip to Vatican <<
To avoid promoting Bishop Ha, Cardinal Tong was brought back as apostolic administrator, despite having already retired. Cascioli believes this move allowed space to promote Fr. Choi more quietly behind the scenes.
In 2020, Fr. Choi’s appointment was reportedly imminent, but resistance within the Hong Kong Church and opposition from Vatican officials delayed it.
“The formalisation of this appointment was reportedly delayed due to the outbreak of the Covid epidemic,” Cascioli wrote. “In reality, however, the appointment was delayed due to strong resistance within the Hong Kong Church, fears of an irreparable rift and the firm opposition of the then head of the Vatican Mission in Hong Kong.”
The impasse persisted until 2021, when Jesuit Father Stephen Chow was appointed bishop instead. Chow, who had “always kept a low profile and had never taken a position for or against China,” was elevated to cardinal in 2023. Cascioli reported that under his leadership, the diocese has adhered closely to the Vatican Secretariat of State’s diplomatic line.
Cascioli wrote that under Cardinal Chow’s tenure, “the concept of the ‘sinicisation of the Church’ was assimilated, which attempts to pass itself off as a Chinese form of inculturation, but which, in reality, translates as the Church’s obedience to the directives of the Communist Party.”
Pope Leo, in a recent interview cited by Cascioli, said he plans to continue the Vatican’s current approach to China for now, while seeking to better understand how the Church can navigate political pressures and serve oppressed Catholics without “taking sides.”
Recent developments suggest ongoing friction between the Vatican and Beijing. China has appointed bishops without Vatican approval, even during the sede vacante, while the Holy See has responded with its own structural changes, including a new episcopal ordination in Zhangjiakou. Such moves have renewed the debate over the Church’s autonomy in China and the reach of Vatican authority.
Cascioli warned the momentum toward deeper Vatican-China cooperation is accelerating. He argued that appointing Fr. Choi would mark a serious setback for Chinese Catholics who have long endured government repression, as well as for Catholics in Hong Kong — including Cardinal Zen — who continue to resist Beijing’s efforts to control the Church.
“This is not just a local issue,” he concluded. “At stake is the freedom of the Church against submission to political power.”
>> George Weigel: What might St. Augustine have to say about Cardinal Cupich? <<
The post Beijing seeking to tighten control of Catholic church in Hong Kong, analyst warns appeared first on CatholicVote org.