According to official figures, around 6 million Catholics live in China. They belong to the "Patriotic Catholic Church," which is under state supervision and does not recognize the authority of the Vatican.

However, the real number of Catholics is probably twice as high. An estimated 6 million are also loyal to the pope and worship in the so-called underground church.

This is about more than matters of faith. The Vatican is the only state in Europe that does not recognize the government in Beijing as the legitimate government of China and maintains diplomatic relations with the Republic of China on Taiwan.

The ruling Communist Party in Beijing, on the other hand, exerts significant control over religious groups in China, from funding to the appointment of clergy.

To what extent can China's Communist Party allow the Catholic Church to operate in the country if Beijing has no control over the pope or the Vatican?

To find a way out of this complicated situation, the Vatican seeks channels of communication with China. A key point of contention is the consecration of bishops.

China has so far resisted the appointment of bishops in the country directly by the pope. In Beijing's view, it amounts to losing sovereignty and interference in internal affairs.

In 2018, China and the Vatican agreed on the appointment of bishops. The "provisional" agreement, as both sides call it, states........

© Deutsche Welle