"Pope Francis has recognised seven bishops appointed by China as part of a historic accord to improve ties between the Vatican and the communist country." [Emphasis original.] [1]
When did Christ ever ask Pontius Pilate to choose His disciples in order that He could approve or disapprove of them? He never did. Why then has Bergoglio, supposedly the Vicar of Christ, agreed to the involvement of a government in choosing bishops for the Catholic Church? Details of the agreement are kept away from public scrutiny (see below, quoted in part from an article dated September 22, 2018, entitled Holy See, China reach accord on appointment of bishops published by CatholicCulture.org [2]):
The Vatican has signed an agreement with China, giving the Beijing government a role in the appointment of new bishops.
Although the terms of the accord were not made public, informed sources at the Vatican have confirmed that under the agreement, the Beijing government will name candidates for episcopal office, with the Pope allowed a choice from among the government’s nominees.
Perhaps one thing good may result from this accord without regard to whether it is well-balanced or lopsided. With central government oversight and enforcement, it may be less likely that sexual predator clerics and those who cover up for them will not have to answer for their inaction and actions than without.
[1] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-45613668
[2] https://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=38721
No comments:
Post a Comment