Religious restrictions on Catholicism in China

Catholic communities in China, particularly in Shanghai and Beijing, are experiencing intensified state-imposed restrictions on religious practices. These measures are reportedly part of government campaigns to promote religious sinicization.

In Shanghai, the Archdiocese has become a focal point for these actions. Reports indicate that the historic St. Ignatius Cathedral has seen a cessation of public services, and funeral homes have allegedly been prohibited from conducting Catholic rites. Restrictions also include the removal of Bibles and theology books from religious goods stores and the implementation of strict approval processes for pilgrimages.

Digital religious life is also being curtailed, with Catholic applications censoring spiritual training and prayer broadcasts. In response to these pressures, underground Catholic communities have engaged in acts of resistance, such as the secret consecration of at least ten new bishops in Fujian province. While the state seeks to align religious practice with state ideology through the Patriotic Association, many practitioners maintain ties to the Vatican.