VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis established a new Catholic diocese in China encompassing territory claimed by Beijing, a move announced September 11, 2025, amid ongoing tensions over religious freedom adn control of the Church within the country. The newly formed diocese of Sanyuan, located in Shaanxi province, was created by splitting the existing diocese of Yan’an, a decision that directly impacts the Catholic faithful in the region and escalates a long-simmering border dispute with Chinese authorities.
The Vatican‘s action, while intended to provide better pastoral care for Catholics in the area, is likely to be viewed as a challenge to Beijing’s authority over religious institutions. China’s government operates its own state-sanctioned Catholic Church, separate from the Vatican, and routinely appoints bishops without papal approval – a key point of contention in China-Vatican relations. The creation of Sanyuan diocese underscores the Holy See’s insistence on its canonical rights within China, even as it seeks a path toward greater dialog.Cardinal Stephen Chow,S.J., Bishop of Hong Kong, recently emphasized the importance of respectful dialogue with mainland authorities in navigating these complex issues. “He recognizes the importance of dialogue between the Church and the mainland authorities, and considers respectful communication as the priority in addressing challenges in China-Vatican relations,” Chow stated.
The Vatican has not publicly commented on the timing of the Sanyuan diocese’s establishment in relation to the ongoing dispute with Beijing. Though, the move follows years of delicate negotiations aimed at reaching a complete agreement regarding bishop appointments and the status of the Catholic Church in China. A provisional agreement signed in 2018, and renewed in 2022, has allowed for a limited degree of cooperation, but significant disagreements remain.
The diocese of Yan’an, from which Sanyuan was carved, has been a focal point of contention. Chinese authorities have reportedly pressured Catholics to join the state-sanctioned Church, and the appointment of bishops has been a source of friction. The Vatican’s decision to establish Sanyuan diocese appears to be an attempt to clarify jurisdictional boundaries and ensure the spiritual needs of Catholics are met, despite the political complexities.
Courtney mares, Rome Correspondent for the Catholic News agency, reported on the development. She is the author of “Blessed Carlo Acutis: A Saint in Sneakers” (Ignatius, 2023).