The People’s Republic of China has officially recognized Pope Leo XIV’s first bishop appointment, the Vatican announced, signaling what some say is an indication that the new pontiff intends to continue operating under the controversial Vatican-China deal.

According to Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the vicar general of Rome, there are 8,020 priests and deacons currently in the diocese, of which 809 are permanent Rome diocesan priests.

The Vatican says the 2018 agreement, renewed until October 2028, is the best deal it could secure despite its undisclosed terms.