Vatican-China Secret Accords

In September 2018, the Vatican signed a provisional secret agreement with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on the appointment of bishops. It came after decades of two parallel Catholic churches in China, one approved by the government, the other underground, persecuted by the CCP, and loyal to Rome. The agreement was aimed at resolving the divisions and improving Church relations with Beijing but has been widely criticized for compromising religious freedom, selling out Chinese Catholics, and not adequately protecting underground Catholics. The agreement, which is being renewed every two years, has so far had mixed results but has been renewed until at least 2028.