Zenit: In China, "Catholics Are Winning:"
Interview With Bishop Joseph Zen Ze-kiun:
Bishop Zen: "Many bishops, appointed by the Beijing government, had no peace of heart and wanted to be recognized by the Holy See.

Beginning in the '80s, Pope John Paul II, with great generosity, accepted such petitions. At present 85% of the episcopate of the official Chinese Church has been legitimized by the Vatican.

Now the bishops that are not approved by Rome feel marginalized; they are rejected by the clergy and the faithful.

The novelty is that, whereas in the past the bishops already appointed by the government requested papal approval, now the candidates to the episcopate of the official Church are concerned about being appointed by the Holy See.

It is an interesting situation, but not lacking in risks, as the candidate chosen by the government is not always the Vatican's ideal name."