Pope Leo XIV Appoints 6th Bishop for China Under the Provisional Agreement Between the Holy See and China

Pope Leo XIV appointed a sixth bishop for China, on August 10, 2026, under the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and China.

 Bishop of Datong Ordained in China

On August 31, Paolo Liu Honggang was consecrated as the Bishop of Datong in Shanxi Province, China. His appointment by Pope Leo XIV took place on August 10, operating within the framework of the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China.

Biography and Pastoral Career

• Early Life: Born on November 2, 1970, in Wufuying village, near Taiyuan.

• Education: Studied at Fenyang Seminary (1988–1992) and earned a Bachelor of Theology from the National Seminary in Beijing (1992–1996).

• Ordination: Ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Datong on November 24, 1996.

• Parish Ministry: Served as parish priest in Zhangguantun (1996–1999), Xubao (2000–2003), and Xihehe (2003–2005).

• Diocesan Leadership: Has served as the diocesan administrator since March 15, 2005.