Bispos indígenas chineses

Resource type

Authors/contributors

Castro (Author)
Ministro dos Negócios Estrangeiros (Recipient)

Title

Abstract

This 1926 diplomatic correspondence, consisting of two nearly identical dispatches dated 4 and 6 September and originating in Rome, reports on the impending consecration of two indigenous Chinese bishops by the Pope. Classified under Series A, No. 71, and addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the documents highlight the significance of the papal decision to personally conduct the consecration, underscoring its alignment with the Pope’s established policy of promoting and strengthening indigenous ecclesiastical leadership in Eastern territories. The repeated emphasis on the indigenous status of the bishops reflects a strategic shift within the Catholic Church towards localising clerical authority in mission regions during the early 20th century. Sent by an official identified only as J., the communications serve as formal notifications of a notable development in Sino-Vatican ecclesiastical relations and illustrate the intersection of religious authority and diplomatic protocol within the context of colonial-era missionary expansion. These documents provide primary evidence of institutional efforts to indigenise Christian leadership in China and offer insight into the Vatican’s engagement with non-European clergy during the interwar period. They are valuable for researchers examining religious diplomacy, colonialism, and the globalisation of Catholicism in the modern era.

Type

Letter

Date

1926

Language

Portuguese

Short Title

Indigenous Chinese bishops

URL

http://43.156.68.124/docs/2Z7ENNXQ/viewer_2Z7ENNXQ.html

Translation

Page 1

1926 CE

Page 2

Rome, 6 September 1926. Series A, No. 71. Indigenous Chinese Bishops.

Your Excellency, Minister of Foreign Affairs,

I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that it is widely reported that the Pope will personally consecrate two new indigenous Chinese bishops, thereby lending greater significance to their appointments—actions fully in keeping with his well-known programme for the advancement and strengthening of the indigenous clergy in the East.

Respect and fraternal greetings.

J.

Page 3

Rome, 4 September 1926. Series A, No. 71. Indigenous Chinese Bishops.

Your Excellency, Minister of Foreign Affairs,

I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that it is widely reported that the Pope will personally consecrate two new indigenous Chinese bishops, thereby lending greater significance to their appointments, which are in accordance with his well-known programme for the advancement and expansion of the indigenous clergy in the East.

With sentiments of respect and fraternal goodwill.

Transcription

Page 1

1926

Sec. Oriente [94]

Bispos Indigenas Chineses

Page 2

Roma, 6 de Setembro de 1926. Serie A N° 71 Bispos indígenas chineses.

Exmo. Sr. Ministro dos Negócios Estrangeiros Tenho a honra de participar a V. Exa., que é voz corrente que o Papa consagrará ele próprio dois novos bispos indígenas chineses, dando assim maior relevo às respetivas nomeações, que estão de acordo com o seu conhecido programa de engrandecimento do clero indígena do Oriente.

Saúde e Fraternidade.

Castro

Page 3

Roma, 4 de Setembro de 1926.

Serie A N° 71
Bispos indígenas chineses.
Exmo. Snr. Ministro dos Negócios Estrangeiros Tenho a honra de participar a V. Exa. que é voz corrente que o Papa consagrará ele próprio dois novos bispos indígenas chineses, dando assim maior relevo às respetivas nomeações, que estão de acordo com o seu conhecido programa de engrandecimento do clero indígena do Oriente.

Saúde e Fraternidade.

Castro

Citation

Castro. (1926). Bispos indígenas chineses (Arquivo da Embaixada de Portugal Junto da Santa Sé até 1930 - cx.35, mc.02, doc.94) [Letter to Ministro dos Negócios Estrangeiros]. Portugal. Arquivo Diplomático e Biblioteca do Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros. http://43.156.68.124/docs/2Z7ENNXQ/viewer_2Z7ENNXQ.html

Primary Sources

Subject Headings

Church Indigenization

Document

27. Bispos indígenas chineses.pdf

Link to this record

https://bdm-biblio.usj.edu.mo/bibliography/2Z7ENNXQ