Paolo Liu Honggang Ordained Bishop of Datong
On August 31, Paolo Liu Honggang was consecrated as the new Bishop of Datong in Shanxi, China. This milestone followed his appointment by Pope Leo XIV on August 10, which occurred after the approval of Liu's candidacy u…
On August 31, Paolo Liu Honggang was consecrated as the new Bishop of Datong in Shanxi, China. This milestone followed his appointment by Pope Leo XIV on August 10, which occurred after the approval of Liu's candidacy under the terms of the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and the People's Republic of China.
Born on November 2, 1970, in Wufuying village near Taiyuan, Liu began his theological education at the Fenyang Seminary from 1988 to 1992. He then attended the National Seminary in Beijing from 1992 to 1996, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Theology.
After his ordination as a priest for the Diocese of Datong on November 24, 1996, he served in various roles, including as parish priest in Zhangguantun from December 1996 to 1999. He later served as parish priest in Xubao from 2000 to 2003, and afterwards, he was the pastor of the parish in Xihehe from 2003 until 2005. Liu has been acting as the diocesan administrator since March 15, 2005.
The appointment and consecration of Bishop Liu are significant as they reflect ongoing efforts to navigate the relationship between the Vatican and the Chinese state within the framework of the Provisional Agreement.
