The death of Pope Francis on 21 April triggered widespread grief. A humble man whose political skills stood him in good stead, he inspired many. Although his doctrinal stances often upset traditionalists, few doubted his integrity.

Like Matteo Ricci, the missionary who brought Christianity to China in the 16th century, Francis belonged to the Society of Jesus. The Jesuits have always valued obedience, but also flexibility. Although they sometimes antagonise conservatives, their pragmatism has facilitated their missionary endeavours worldwide.

Francis was keen to build bridges with Asia through pastoral and diplomatic efforts and hoped to become the first pope to visit China. Although this never happened, in 2014 he became the first pope authorised to fly over Chinese airspace on his way to South Korea.

While passing over China, Francis famously sent President Xi Jinping a radio message. He extended his best wishes to “your excellency and your fellow citizens", and invoked “blessings of peace and wellbeing upon the nation".

In 2023, when visiting neighbouring Mongolia, Francis went out of his way to send a “warm greeting to the noble Chinese people”. He wished them “the best and to always go forward, always progress”. He urged Chinese Catholics to be “good Christians and good citizens”, and his sincerity was obvious.

While Francis never set foot in China, he made history in 2023 when he sent his emissary, Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, to Beijing. Zuppi’s instruction was to seek China’s assistance in securing peace in Ukraine, the first such mission.

The PRC’s Constitution allows for freedom of religious beliefs, and Roman Catholicism is one of the five state-recognised religions (together with Buddhism, Taoism, Islam and Protestantism).

Although Francis’ efforts were criticised in some quarters, he was determined to forge closer ties with China. He believed this would benefit China’s Catholics, who reportedly number approximately 10 million. In 2024, he described China as “a promise and a hope” for his church, although he was always respectful of Beijing’s sensitivities. As a Latin American, his vision was more aligned with that of the Global South than with anywhere else, and his open-mindedness was a breath of fresh air.

On 22 April, China’s foreign ministry spokesman, Guo Jiakun, expressed condolences at Francis’ passing. He said: “China and the Vatican have maintained constructive contact and carried out friendly exchanges”, and the proof is there for all to see.

On 22 September 2018, an historic deal was signed between the Vatican and Beijing over the appointment of bishops in China, an issue that had bedevilled relations. Whereas China would recommend bishops before they were appointed by the pope, he could veto a proposal. The parties called it a “provisional agreement”, and it was seen as a breakthrough that could lead not only to better communication, but also to establishing diplomatic ties.

In hailing the deal, the Vatican spokesman, Greg Burke, said it was “not political, but pastoral, allowing the faithful to have bishops who are in communion with Rome, but, at the same time, recognised by the Chinese authorities.”

Immediately afterwards, on 26 September, Francis told Chinese Catholics what was expected of them. While adhering to their faith, they had also to be “good citizens, loving their homeland and serving their country with diligence and honesty, to the best of their ability”. Although “sterile opposition” was to be avoided, they should also be prepared to take a stand “for the sake of building a society that is more just, humane and respectful of the dignity of each person”.

Francis’ words indicated a high degree of convergence between the teachings of Christianity and the objectives of socialism. They also showed his belief in not only revering the Almighty but also “giving to Caesar that which belongs to Caesar", an article of faith.

Notwithstanding its potential, the deal, later extended, attracted concerns in some quarters. Whereas Hong Kong’s radical bishop, Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kuin, called it “unwise” in 2022, the co-founder of the anti-China Hong Kong Watch, Benedict Rogers, said in 2024 it was “a betrayal of loyal Catholics”.

However, the deal represented a sensible middle way for church and state, and it worked for both sides. It was, therefore, extended for two years in 2020, and for another two years in 2022.

Over a six-year period, the deal enabled Francis to appoint 10 new bishops, with a further 15 bishops whose positions were contested having been regularised. This reportedly impacted about 25% of China’s Catholic Church hierarchy. It was little wonder Francis said he was “happy with the dialogue with China”.

On 20 October 2024, after the Vatican said it remained “dedicated to furthering the respectful and constructive dialogue” with China, the agreement was again extended, this time for four years. This demonstrated trust, with the Vatican no longer regarding regular reviews as necessary.

The deal succeeded largely because it helped resolve the split between, on the one hand, an underground church swearing loyalty to the Vatican and, on the other, the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association (which promotes Catholicism respectful of national sensibilities).

With Francis gone, some Catholics hope for a change of direction. Rogers, for example, said the next pope should prioritise “a review, renegotiation and recalibration of Sino-Vatican relations", meaning the rapprochement would end and relations would revert to square one.

On 7 May, the 135 cardinal electors will assemble to choose the next pope, with 108 of them, many from the Global South, having been installed by Francis. There will be 23 cardinals from Asia, including Hong Kong’s Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan. Although a more conservative figure than Francis may ultimately emerge, nobody seriously imagines he will undo his predecessor’s bridge-building efforts with China.

To his credit, Francis always realised that without constructive relationships with the world’s powers, the Vatican’s influence would be minimal. It could no longer adequately serve the faithful, let alone shape global developments. Even though it would delight the reactionaries, a return to the past in its dealings with China would be in nobody’s interests, least of all Chinese Catholics.