Bishop Fu, RIP

South China Morning Post reported this morning that Bishop Michael Fu Tieshan of Beijing passed away Friday.

Bishop Michael Fu Tieshan , head of the Catholic Church in Beijing, died last night in the capital after losing a marathon battle with lung cancer.
Although the death of Fu, 76, who also was a vice-chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, had long been expected as he was in hospital over the past few years, it is set to trigger a succession crisis for the church.

snip

Despite holding a powerful position in the official state-controlled church hierarchy, Fu was not recognised by the Vatican as a legitimate bishop because he was appointed unilaterally by Beijing in 1979 without papal approval.
His death may create immense problems for the Beijing Diocese, which has yet to decide on a successor, and for the patriotic association - which holds the real power in church affairs - to find a candidate acceptable both to the government and most of the bishops who are recognised by the Holy See

Seems so much will hinge on the Pope's letter. Someone called the Guangzhou Cathedral again last week for me and still no news of Bishop-elect Gan's installation.