Today, the episcopal ordination of Mons. Ignatius Wu Jianlin was celebrated in Shanghai, accepted by Pope Leo XIV as auxiliary bishop of Shanghai last August 11—a fact that was not reported through the Vatican's official media until today. The appointment was announced within the framework of the Provisional Agreement signed between the Holy See and the People's Republic of China for the regulation of episcopal appointments.
Wu Jianlin, born in 1970, studied philosophy and theology at the Sheshan seminary in Shanghai. He was ordained a priest in 1997 and since then has held various positions: spiritual director of the seminary, parish vicar in Zhongshan, diocesan vice-chancellor, parish priest of Qiujiawan, and vicar general of the diocese. During the prolonged vacant see (2013-2023), he collaborated in the diocesan administration.
An appointment in the context of the agreement with China
The appointment of Wu Jianlin is now framed within the logic of the Provisional Agreement between the Vatican and China, a framework that seeks to ensure consensus in the appointment of bishops. However, various sources indicate that, in practice, candidacies usually come from Chinese authorities and Rome limits itself to ratifying them.
But until a few days ago, the appointment seemed to proceed without the Holy See's approval. And with the background that China had nominated Wu Jianlin a few days after the death of Pope Francis.
Read also: The secret agreement with China collapses: Shanghai consecrates bishop without Rome.
This situation recalls other recent precedents, such as the case of Giuseppe Shen Bin, transferred in 2023 to the diocese of Shanghai without the Pope's prior consent and later recognized by the Vatican. These episodes reinforce the perception that the Holy See operates with a limited margin of maneuver.
Lack of official confirmation
To date, the Holy See had not published through its official channels the confirmation of the ordination of Mons. Wu Jianlin. Although the bulletin confirms that this appointment had already been approved since August 11. The omission is significant, given that the usual practice is for the Vatican to disseminate this type of appointments and ceremonies through its media.
Today Shanghai has a new auxiliary bishop. But the background remains the same: the delicate balance between diplomacy with Beijing and the Church's freedom to choose its pastors.
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