The Chinese government is reportedly intensifying its efforts to consolidate control over Catholic communities by pushing underground congregations to align with state-sanctioned religious practices. This push is detailed in a recent report by Human Rights Watch, which claims the move affects approximately 12 million Catholics in the nation. The growing scrutiny and restrictions are viewed as a continuation of a long-standing campaign to synchronize religious practices with Communist Party ideologies.
### Increased Pressure on Underground Churches
Human Rights Watch highlights that the campaign to bring underground Catholic communities into the state-controlled fold has been escalating over the last decade. This effort is part of a broader strategy initiated by President Xi Jinping, aimed at the “Sinicization” of religions, which seeks to embed party narratives into religious discourse. Researchers have indicated that clandestine religious groups in China have faced various forms of repression, including detentions, forced disappearances, and house arrests aimed at coercing compliance with government directives.
The situation has garnered criticism from the international community, with Human Rights Watch’s researcher Yalkun Uluyol addressing the severe constraints on religious freedoms faced by Catholics. Uluyol urged Pope Leo XIV to reconsider the agreement reached in 2018, which allowed the Chinese government a say in appointing bishops. He emphasized the need for immediate action to halt the persecution and intimidation targeting underground clergy and worshippers.
### Government Response and Accountability
In response to the allegations made in the Human Rights Watch report, the Chinese Foreign Ministry firmly rejected any claims of wrongdoing. A spokesperson characterized the organization as lacking credibility and accused it of fabricating misinformation. They contended that the oversight of religious affairs is conducted in accordance with Chinese law and that the government protects citizens’ rights to engage in religious practices.
This clash between the Chinese government and international watchdogs presents a significant challenge to governance and accountability in China, particularly in matters concerning fundamental human rights. The tension highlights the broader implications of state control over religious institutions, where compliance with party ideology overshadows individual freedoms.
### The 2018 Agreement and Its Implications
The 2018 Holy See-China agreement allowed the Chinese government to propose candidates for bishops, with the Pope retaining veto power. However, the specifics of this agreement have never been disclosed publicly, raising concerns regarding its transparency and potential impact on religious autonomy. This arrangement was initially seen as a move towards resolving long-standing tensions between the Vatican and the Chinese state.
As of June 2025, the newly appointed Pope Leo XIV indicated his intention to uphold the agreement “in the short term” while navigating the complex landscape of religious governance in China. His remarks suggested the necessity for ongoing dialogue between both parties, yet the unresolved situation regarding underground Catholics persists as a significant concern for religious freedom advocates.
### Broader Impact on Religious Freedom
Human Rights Watch asserts that the increased surveillance and restrictions on Catholic communities are part of a comprehensive crackdown against various religious groups in China. The organization notes that these measures include intensified scrutiny over foreign ties, especially concerning clergy travel, and mandated state approval for all religious activities. The government officially recognizes five major religions—Buddhism, Taoism, Catholicism, Protestantism, and Islam—but tightly monitors their practices to ensure alignment with state objectives.
Xi Jinping’s 2016 declaration to “Sinicize” religion encapsulated this strategy, directly impacting the operations of all religious communities across the country. The campaign has led to the demolition of places of worship, the seizure of unauthorized religious materials, and the suppression of gatherings outside state-regulated venues.
As the global discourse on religious freedoms continues to evolve, China’s actions raise important questions about the balance between state authority and individual liberties. The interplay of governance and religious practices represents a pivotal aspect of both domestic policy and international relations, as advocates and observers closely monitor developments affecting tens of millions of Chinese citizens.
The Human Rights Watch report underscores the urgent need for accountability and intervention, as civil liberties face ongoing challenges in an environment where religious devotion is increasingly politicized. Without significant changes in policy and a restoration of rights, the future of religious practice in China remains precarious.
Source: Original Reporting
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