New Bishop Ordained in China whom Pope Leo XIV Appointed in the Summer - Bishop Ignatius Ding Zuyao of Haimen

 New Chinese Bishop Ordained: Rev. Ignatius Ding Zuyao Appointed Bishop of Haimen

On Thursday, 15 October 2026, the Reverend Ignatius Ding Zuyao was ordained as the Bishop of Haimen, Jiangsu Province, following his appointment by Pope Leo XIV on 24 August 2026. Approved under the framework of the Holy See–China Provisional Agreement, his appointment marks the 19th episcopal ordination in full communion with the Pope since the accord was first signed in 2018 and later extended in 2024.

The Ordination Ceremony The ordination took place at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd in Nantong. Joseph Shen Bin, Bishop of Shanghai and Bishop Emeritus of Haimen, served as the principal consecrator alongside four concelebrating bishops. Around 400 clergy, religious sisters, and lay faithful attended the liturgy.

This ordination coincides with increased participation of Chinese prelates in global Vatican events, such as the recent gathering hosted by Pope Leo XIV in Rome to mark the tenth anniversary of Amoris Laetitia.

About Bishop Ignatius Ding Zuyao Born in Qidong in August 1986, Bishop Ding completed his theological and philosophical studies at Beijing Theological Seminary and was ordained a priest in 2011. Over the past 13 years, he served as parish priest across several communities in Haimen, most recently leading Qingnian Donglu parish in Nantong since February 2023.

Historical Context & Legacy

• Jesuit Foundations: Evangelization in Haimen traces back to the 17th century with Italian Jesuit Fr. Francesco Brancati. In 1926, Pope Pius XI established the Apostolic Vicariate of Haimen, consecrating Simon Zhu Kaimin as one of the first modern Chinese bishops. It was elevated to a full diocese in 1946 by Pope Pius XII.

• Devotion & Tradition: Today, the Diocese of Haimen serves roughly 30,000 faithful across 15 parishes. The region holds strong spiritual traditions, including the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Langshan and a deep devotion to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux—whose relic was personally gifted to Bishop Zhu in 1927 and remains enshrined in the diocesan cathedral.

• Event: Reverend Ignatius Ding Zuyao was ordained Bishop of Haimen, Jiangsu Province, China on October 15, 2026.

• Vatican Approval: Approved by Pope Leo XIV under the Holy See–China Provisional Agreement, bringing the total number of communion-aligned Chinese bishops under the accord to 19.

• Ceremony Details: Held at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd in Nantong, presided over by Bishop Joseph Shen Bin of Shanghai, with ~400 attendees.

• The New Bishop: Born in 1986, ordained a priest in 2011, and has extensive pastoral experience in Haimen, including past roles in Haimenzhen, Linjiang, Caojiazhen, and Nantong.

• Diocesan Background:

  • Home to ~30,000 Catholics, 20 priests, 15 parishes, and the Sisters of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus.

  • Deep historic roots dating to 17th-century Jesuit missions and 1926 episcopal milestones under Pope Pius XI.

  • Notable for key pilgrimage sites, including the Langshan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes and local devotions to St. Thérèse of Lisieux.