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The Chinese Communist Party is tightening its grip on the Catholic Church in China. And now, even native bishops are vowing to peddle Marxist ideology.

Church Militant's Kim Tisor takes a closer look at the fruits of the Vatican's dealings with China.

Over the weekend, new leaders in the Chinese Catholic Church vowed to continue the sinicization of Catholicism in China.

The 10th National Congress on Catholicism in China wrapped up Saturday with two communist-sponsored Church bodies, the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association and the Chinese Catholic Bishops' Conference, electing new leaders.

Officials from the communist government gave speeches at the event, and two new bishops promised to adhere to President Xi Jinping's vision for the Church in China.

The Chinese president's vision for the Church consists of controlling religion, increasing surveillance and peddling Marxism. 

In 2018, Pope Francis sealed the China–Vatican accord, which allowed the communist government to appoint bishops.

The former bishop of Hong Kong, Cdl. Joseph Zen, has resisted the Marxist regime. He spoke to Church Militant in 2020.

Cdl. Joseph Zen, bishop emeritus, Hong Kong: "They have sold our Church completely. It's a total sellout. Pope Francis should answer to the facts."

Hong Kong authorities arrested Cdl. Zen in May this year for connection to a pro-democracy fund.

Although released on bail, Zen awaits trial next month.

Many faithful Catholics in China are worshiping in secret, while the government-approved Church — allied to communists — is out in the open.

The China–Vatican accord is set to expire in October, and Pope Francis has expressed that the agreement should be renewed and seems to be "moving well."

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