BEIJING—A senior Chinese religious-affairs official signaled that the pope’s authority in China will be limited even if the Vatican and Beijing reach a landmark compromise on the appointment of bishops.
Chen Zongrong told reporters Tuesday that the Chinese government is making concerted efforts to conclude the agreement, which would end a decadeslong rift. Under the compromise, China would select bishop candidates, but the pope would have veto power—an arrangement meant to end the appointment of rival clerics.
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