Cardinals, Bishops, and the Indigenization of the Catholic Church in China

This book compiles papers originally presented at a conference held in Hong Kong in August 2025. The publication commemorates the centenary, in 2026, of the appointment of six Chinese bishops in Rome--a landmark event that ushered in a new era in the history of the Catholic Church in China. The 1926 consecration of these bishops marked a transformative shift toward indigenization, elevating Chinese clergy to positions of significant authority and influence for the first time since the consecration of Luo Wenzao in the seventeenth century. This milestone not only demonstrated the Church's commitment to fostering local leadership but also challenged the longstanding dominance of Western ecclesiastical structures. In marking this centenary, the book invites reflection on broader themes of localization, cultural adaptation, and identity within global Catholicism. Contributors from diverse academic disciplines and perspectives examine the evolving roles, responsibilities, and challenges faced by Chinese cardinals and bishops over the past century. Their research delves into how these Church leaders have navigated the complex intersections of faith, culture, and national identity, particularly during periods of social and political upheaval. Collectively, these studies shed light on the dynamic evolution and enduring significance of the Catholic Church in modern Chinese society. Cindy Yik-yi Chu , Professor of History at Hong Kong Baptist University, specializes in writing about the Catholic Church and Catholic sisters in Mainland China and Hong Kong. She has authored 19 books and over 50 articles in edited volumes and academic journals. Dr. Chu is Editor of The Palgrave Handbook on the Catholic Church in East Asia (Palgrave, 2025) and Author of The Biography of Cardinal John Tong (Palgrave, 2024).