Increased Pressure on Underground Catholics in China
The Chinese government is intensifying efforts to push underground Catholic communities towards joining the state-controlled church, according to a report from Human Rights Watch. This pressure affects around 12 million Catholics in China and is part of a long-standing campaign to align religious practices with the ideology of the Communist Party.
Human Rights Watch highlights that this campaign has been ongoing for about a decade, with the aim of ensuring that all religious groups conform to government regulations. However, the Chinese government has dismissed these claims, labeling Human Rights Watch as biased against China.
Catholics in China have historically been divided between a government-run church and an underground community that remains loyal to the Vatican. In 2018, a significant agreement between the Vatican and Beijing allowed the Chinese government to have a say in appointing bishops, an attempt to ease tensions.
Human Rights Watch researcher Yalkun Uluyol commented that many Catholics in China are currently facing heightened repression, questioning whether the recent agreement with the Vatican needs to be reevaluated in light of these developments. They urged Pope Leo XIV to take a stand against the intimidation of underground congregations and clergy.
In response, a spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry accused Human Rights Watch of spreading falsehoods and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to managing religious affairs in accordance with the law, claiming to protect citizens’ rights to religious belief.
The report from Human Rights Watch, which could not conduct research inside China, is based on interviews with people who have first-hand experience of Catholic life in the country, as well as experts on religious freedom.
Since the 2018 agreement, the Chinese government has reportedly increased efforts to push underground Catholics into the state church through various means, including detentions and house arrests. The situation remains complex, as the country enforces strict controls on religious practices while recognizing five major religions.
Overall, the “Sinicization” campaign initiated by President Xi Jinping has led to tighter surveillance and restrictions on religious activities. As these pressures continue, questions arise about the future of religious freedom in China.
