China Keeps Tight Rein on Bishop as Vatican Deal Looms

Underground prelate allowed limited role in Holy Week as Beijing works to heal rift with Rome

BEIJING—Chinese officials allowed an underground Catholic bishop to celebrate Holy Thursday Mass after concerns about his treatment risked upsetting efforts by Beijing and the Vatican to end a decadeslong rift.

Communist Party officials had summoned Bishop Vincent Guo Xijin on Monday, raising worries among his followers that he would be detained through Holy Week as he was at this time last year.

After...