Vatican City: The Catholic Church in China marked an important moment on Wednesday with the episcopal ordination of Bishop Joseph Chang Yanfeng, who officially began his ministry as the Bishop of Chifeng in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. His appointment reflects the continuing cooperation between the Holy See and the People's Republic of China under the Provisional Agreement on the appointment of bishops.
Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Chang on June 15 after approving his candidacy in accordance with the terms of the agreement between the Vatican and the Chinese authorities. His episcopal ordination took place on July 22, officially confirming him as the shepherd of the Diocese of Chifeng.
Bishop Chang brings many years of pastoral and administrative experience to his new role. Since October 15, 2021, he has served as the Diocesan Administrator of Chifeng, guiding the local Church during the period before the appointment of a new bishop. Over the years, he has also carried out a variety of responsibilities within the diocese, earning the trust of both clergy and faithful.
Born on April 4, 1984, in Beizhen in Liaoning Province, Bishop Chang pursued his priestly formation at the Shenyang Major Seminary. He later continued his studies at the Catholic University of Daejeon in South Korea, where he obtained a degree in Biblical Theology. His academic background has supported his pastoral ministry and commitment to serving the Church.
He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Chifeng on November 18, 2010. During the first years of his priesthood, from 2010 to 2013, he worked in the diocesan curia while also ministering in several parishes. He later became parish priest of Chifeng Cathedral before taking responsibility for the parish in Lindong, continuing to serve the faithful through pastoral care, administration and community leadership.
The Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV had approved Bishop Chang's appointment under the framework of the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and China. The agreement, first signed in 2018 and renewed several times, aims to foster dialogue and cooperation in the appointment of Catholic bishops while promoting the unity of the Church in China.
With his episcopal ordination now completed, Bishop Joseph Chang Yanfeng begins his mission of leading the Diocese of Chifeng. His appointment represents another step in the ongoing relationship between the Holy See and China and provides the local Catholic community with a new bishop to guide its pastoral, spiritual and administrative life.