In a recent statement from the Vatican, the Holy See recently expressed “surprise and regret” over the so-called installation of an auxiliary bishop in China in a diocese that the Vatican does not recognize.

Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on International Justice and Peace, supported the ongoing work of the Holy See and the Holy Father’s commitment to dialogue.

“It is unusual for the Holy See to issue a public statement on what they note to be an event that ‘has not taken place in conformity with the spirit of dialogue that exists between the Vatican parties and the Chinese parties and what has been stipulated in the Provisional Agreement on the Appointment of Bishops,’” Malloy said in a USCCB statement. “I share in the hope conveyed by the Holy See that such actions will not be repeated as well as the recent call of Pope Francis for a deep and on-going dialogue with Chinese authorities so as to continue to engage and seek the good of the Church and the people of China.”

The Vatican statement commented about the “installation ceremony” of Bishop Giovanni Peng Weizhao of Yujiang (Jiangxi Province). The ceremony took place on Nov. 24 in Nanchang.

Reports indicated that "the civil recognition of Bishop Peng was preceded … by prolonged and intense pressure by the local Authorities," the Vatican statement said.