A NEW BISHOP AND A NEW START?

In this piece for The New York Times, I report on the consecration of Msgr. Yao Shun, the first bishop to be installed after the Vatican and Beijing reached an agreement last year on how clergy are appointed. 

The appointment is something of a test for the new deal, which calls for both Beijing and the Vatican to chose bishops together. Apparently Yao was an easy choice–acceptable to both sides–but others might be harder. It’ll be interesting to see how many more are appointed this year. Reportedly more than 20 bishops are waiting to take office.