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Pope Leo XIV took a significant stand for the Catholic Church in China during his Regina Caeli address on May 25, calling for unity, peace, and faithful witness amid suffering.
Standing at the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo delivered a message of hope and solidarity to the faithful, AsiaNews reported. The address marked the recent Day of Prayer for the Church in China, a tradition established by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007 and observed each year on May 24, the feast of Mary Help of Christians.
“May the intercession of Mary Most Holy obtain for them, and for us, the grace to be strong and joyful witnesses of the Gospel, even in the midst of trials, so that we may always promote peace and harmony,” he said.
As faithful around the world lifted their prayers for Chinese Catholics, Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the spiritual solidarity being shown globally.
“In churches and shrines throughout China and around the world, prayers were offered to God as a sign of concern and affection for Chinese Catholics and their communion with the universal Church,” he said.
The devotion to Mary Help of Christians is particularly rooted in the Marian shrine of Sheshan in Shanghai, a symbol of Catholic endurance in China, according to AsiaNews.
The pope’s address comes amid continued strain in Vatican-China relations, especially over the appointment of bishops and the treatment of underground Catholics. The Vatican’s provisional agreement with Beijing, renewed in 2024, has drawn criticism for its secrecy and for appearing to sideline Rome’s authority. The contested installation of bishops seemingly without Vatican approval has deepened concerns about religious freedom and the Church’s integrity in China.
Most notably, China recently appointed new bishops during sede vacante — the period after Pope Francis’ death and before Pope Leo XIV’s election — directly defying the terms of the agreement and prompting renewed scrutiny of Beijing’s commitment to respecting Vatican oversight.
The pontiff’s address also turned the Church’s gaze toward global suffering, urging Catholics to pray not only for those under religious strain but for all peoples afflicted by war and division.
“Let us implore courage and perseverance for those engaged in dialogue and in the sincere search for peace,” he said.
The pope’s words were not only a message to China but a call to the global Church to be compassionate, faith-filled witnesses in all circumstances.
“Let us resolve to bring his love everywhere, never forgetting that each of our sisters and brothers is a dwelling place of God,” he said, emphasizing the call to serve especially the poor and suffering.
