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Of course — here's the translation into American English of the Vatican-style news article:
The ecclesiastical map of China is changing. With a decree signed on July 8, Pope Leo XIV suppressed the historic dioceses of Xiwanzi and Xuanhua, erected by Pius XII in 1946, and established the new Diocese of Zhangjiakou, suffragan of Beijing, with its episcopal seat in the city's cathedral. A pastoral decision, certainly, but also a gesture with strong political significance, consistent with the path of dialogue the Holy See continues to pursue with the People's Republic.
The birth of the new diocese
The territory of the newly created circumscription coincides with that of the Zhangjiakou municipality, in Hebei province: more than 36,000 square kilometers, with a population of over 4 million, including about 85,000 Catholics served by 89 priests. A move toward "simplification," meant to harmonize ecclesiastical boundaries with civil ones — a solution long favored by Beijing's authorities and one that brings greater coherence to pastoral life.
A detail confirms the scope of this reorganization: the Yanqing district has been reassigned to the Archdiocese of Beijing, while Xilinguolemeng now belongs to the Diocese of Jining. In this way, the ecclesiastical map realigns with the administrative one, strengthening the legitimacy of the Catholic presence in the eyes of the State.
The consecration of Wang Zhengui
The symbolic moment came on Wednesday, September 10, with the episcopal consecration of Bishop Joseph Wang Zhengui, the first bishop of the new diocese. An experienced priest, born in 1962, formed at the Hebei seminary and ordained in 1990, Wang has served the local communities for decades, earning the trust of both the faithful and the authorities. His appointment, approved by the Pope under the framework of the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and China, represents a concrete step of communion with Rome.
Every episcopal ordination in China is more than a liturgical celebration: it is proof that dialogue, however fragile, is working. After years of division between "official" and "underground" communities, the presence of a bishop recognized by both sides marks a significant point of convergence.
Leo XIV and the pragmatic path
The first American Pope brings a typically pragmatic approach to the Chinese question. No grandstanding, no illusions: the Church in China cannot be defended with declarations, but only with patient and realistic choices. This is the line guiding Leo XIV, who is keenly aware that the future of Catholicism worldwide cannot ignore the immense Chinese context.
The same reasoning led the Holy See, years ago, to downgrade its diplomatic presence in Taipei to a chargé d'affaires. Not an abandonment of Taiwan, but a clear signal that the door toward Beijing remains open.
Where Vatican diplomacy may look next
The inevitable question among observers is: if one day the Holy See were to establish an official presence in mainland China, where would it be located? Hong Kong, too exposed and politically sensitive, seems a risky choice. Macao appears more plausible — a Special Administrative Region with a strong Catholic tradition and a history of discreet diplomacy. A Vatican presence there would ensure proximity without provoking excessive reactions.
A global game
Behind the decisions of recent months lies the awareness that China is not just a "local case" but a decisive crossroads for 21st-century Christianity. One-fifth of humanity lives there: ignoring China would mean cutting oneself off from history. For Beijing, at the same time, the Vatican remains a unique interlocutor — not a traditional political power, but a moral and spiritual voice whose symbolic weight carries influence on the international stage.
Between hope and difficulty
Challenges remain. The fracture between "official" and "underground" communities has not disappeared, restrictions on religious freedom are still strong, and the Provisional Agreement continues to be renewed every two years without its details being disclosed. Yet the creation of the Diocese of Zhangjiakou and the ordination of Bishop Wang demonstrate that, with perseverance and prudence, progress is possible.
A Church that refuses to stand aside
China remains difficult terrain for the Catholic Church. But the message from Zhangjiakou is clear: the Church does not resign itself to the margins. It seeks ways to live in communion with the Pope while remaining rooted in Chinese society.
Leo XIV is betting on a quiet strategy, far from the spotlight but attentive to concrete signs. A new diocese, a bishop ordained, an ecclesiastical map reshaped: small but significant pieces of a larger mosaic.
Zhangjiakou thus becomes not only a new diocese, but also a laboratory for the future — where the Church learns to walk with realism, patience, and hope
Marco Baratto
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