Shanghai: In a solemn ceremony held on Wednesday, October 15, Bishop Ignatius Wu Jianlin was consecrated as the Auxiliary Bishop of Shanghai, marking a significant moment in the life of the Diocese and in the ongoing collaboration between the Holy See and the Catholic Church in China.
Pope Leo XIV officially appointed Rev. Wu Jianlin to the position on August 11, 2025, following the framework of the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China, which ensures that episcopal appointments are mutually recognized and foster pastoral continuity in the country.
Bishop Wu Jianlin was born on January 27, 1970. He embarked on his ecclesiastical formation at the Sheshan Seminary in Shanghai, where he studied philosophy and theology from 1991 to 1996. Following his ordination as a priest on November 22, 1997, he was immediately entrusted with responsibilities as Spiritual Director at Sheshan Seminary and as Assistant Pastor of Zhongshan Parish, demonstrating early on his commitment to formation and pastoral care.
From 1999 to 2012, he served as Vice-Chancellor of the Diocese while simultaneously guiding the faithful as Pastor of Qiujiawan Parish. His administrative acumen and pastoral sensitivity were particularly evident during the diocese’s period of vacancy from 2013 to 2023, during which he contributed significantly to diocesan governance. Subsequently, he was appointed Vicar General, a role in which he strengthened diocesan administration and supported the spiritual and organizational life of the local Church.
Bishop Wu Jianlin’s consecration underscores the ongoing growth and pastoral vitality of the Catholic community in Shanghai. His deep experience in seminary formation, parish leadership, and diocesan administration positions him to guide clergy and laity alike in fostering faith, unity, and service within the archdiocese.
The consecration ceremony was attended by local clergy, religious, and lay faithful, reflecting the collective joy of the diocese as it welcomed its new shepherd. Bishop Wu Jianlin’s elevation as Auxiliary Bishop signals both continuity and renewed hope for the Catholic community in Shanghai, emphasizing pastoral care, formation, and dialogue in alignment with the Holy See’s mission in China.
This appointment is also seen as a continuation of Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to strengthening the Church in China through collaboration, pastoral care, and the nurturing of capable and dedicated episcopal leadership.