" A provisional agreement that would see the church appoint bishops chosen by the Chinese government has been met with controversy . The deal appeals to Pope Francis ' desire to expand worldwide , with China officially counting six million Catholics . However , opponents within the church say teaming with the Chinese government undermines its reputation for defending human rights and Christian values . The relationship between the two sides collapsed in 1951 and China ’s ruling atheist Communist party is currently clamping down on " illegal " Christian groups in the country .
A provisional agreement that would see the church appoint bishops chosen by the Chinese government has been met with controversy . The deal appeals to Pope Francis ' desire to expand worldwide , with China officially counting six million Catholics . However , opponents within the church say teaming with the Chinese government undermines its reputation for defending human rights and Christian values . The relationship between the two sides collapsed in 1951 and China ’s ruling atheist Communist party is currently clamping down on " illegal " Christian groups in the country .