"Pope's Approval of Shanghai Bishop Sparks Vatican's Criticism of China's Consultation Deficiency"
Pope Francis has approved the appointment of Bishop Joseph Shen Bin as the new bishop of Shanghai, despite the Vatican's criticism of China for transferring him without consultation, in violation of bilateral accords. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State, stated that the move went against the spirit of dialogue and collaboration outlined in a 2018 accord on the naming of bishops. The Vatican has defended the accord as a means to establish dialogue with Chinese authorities for the benefit of Chinese Catholics. The Shanghai dispute is the latest in a series of conflicts between the Vatican and China over the appointment of bishops.