On March 6, Chinese authorities arrested Bishop Peter Shao Zhumin. They argued that the mass he celebrated on December 27, 2024, opening the Holy Jubilee Year, was illegal. Chinese National Security Office agents arrested Bishop Shao because he refused to pay a fine of $27,000. The authorities fined the bishop only because he celebrated the mass, and the authorities claim that it went against article 71 of the Regulations of Religious Affairs.

The 61-year-old bishop is not part of the state-controlled Catholic organization. Because of his refusal to join the patriotic association, in the eyes of the Chinese government, he is officially not a bishop, and they see the position of the Bishop of Wenzhou as vacant. Bishop Shao faced the harassment and arrests from the part of the Chinese authorities.

For the past several years, the authorities tightened their control over the diocese. In several instances, officers did not let priests celebrate masses, and they prevented children from wanting to enter churches. The bishop’s arrest was the latest major blow to the local Catholic community. Since his arrest, little has been known about the whereabouts and state of the bishop, but his detention is expected to be long.

Source: ZENIT