Why China’s recognition of an 95-year-old bishop could be a very big deal

Bishop Melchior Shi's recognition could offer a new formula for underground bishops to acknowledge the state

The Holy See announced Tuesday that the Chinese government has recognized an underground mainland bishop as the legitimate leader of his diocese.

Bishop Melchior Shi Hongzhen, 95, has led the Diocese of Tianjin since 2019 — having previously been coadjutor of the diocese since 1982. He is believed to be the first Catholic bishop government authorities ha…