ROME — The Vatican and China have agreed to extend an agreement aimed at ending a decades-old power struggle over the appointment of Roman Catholic bishops in China, both parties announced Tuesday.

The provisional agreement, struck in 2018 and twice renewed, will be extended for four years, despite concerns from some conservatives in the church about religious liberty and human rights in the Communist country.

Lin Jian, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, confirmed the renewal Tuesday at a news conference in Beijing. He added that the two sides “will maintain talks in a constructive spirit, and continue to promote the improvement of China-Vatican relations.”

In its statement, the Vatican said that it remained dedicated to a “respectful and constructive dialogue.”

Though its contents have never been made public, in broad terms the 2018 agreement calls for China to formally recognize the pope’s authority within the Roman Catholic Church and his final say over the country’s bishops.

— The New York Times