title: Joseph Liu Xinhong
text: # Joseph Liu Xinhong
  
  Joseph Liu Xinhong (Simplified Chinese: 刘新红, Traditional Chinese: 劉新紅) is the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association-sponsored Bishop of Anhui. As a layman, he was considered the strongman of the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association, whose deputy chairman he was. This association was established in 1957 to oppose relations with Rome. Consecrated as bishop in 2006 without pontifical mandate, he was automatically excommunicated.
  
  On September 22, 2018, Pope Francis lifted the excommunication of Joseph Liu Xinhong and other six bishops previously appointed by the Chinese government without a pontifical mandate.
  
  