SW News: The Holy Father has appointed Bishop Joseph Shen Bin of Haimen as the new bishop of Shanghai, which has been lying vacant for some time. The bishop was appointed to the new see on Saturday, July 15. Speaking to Vatican media, Holy See Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin explained the development of the dialogue between the Vatican and the Beijing government regarding the ecclesiastical affairs in China.

Cardinal Parolin said that although the Vatican was informed of the transfer of the bishop to Shanghai by the Chinese authorities, the former preferred to take some time before making a public comment. This shows that it carefully analyzed the pastoral situation in the diocese which was lying vacant for long and the viability of transferring Bishop Shen Bin, said the Secretary of State.

The cardinal also explained that the pope decided to settle the canonical irregularity in Shanghai diocese for its greater good. He said that Pope Francis’ approach will enable the new bishop of Shanghai to “work with greater serenity to promote evangelization and favor ecclesial communion”.

The Vatican Secretary of State also expressed hope that a rapprochement will be reached with the authorities to obtain a solution to some problems in the diocese. He said that “an open dialogue and a respectful confrontation with the Chinese side is always being sought”.

Cardinal Parolin also said it was necessary that all future bishops in China be appointed by means of a consensus by means of dialogue. “Together we must avoid discordant situations that create disagreements and misunderstandings also within Catholic communities," said the top Vatican official.

He also expressed the wish of the Holy Father to establish as early as possible an episcopal conference with the necessary statutes that are in harmony with its pastoral mission and ecclesial nature.