The Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association (CPCA) is an organization established in 1957 to oversee and manage the activities of the Catholic Church in China. It was created to promote a version of Catholicism that aligns with the policies of the Chinese government, allowing the Church to operate independently of the Vatican. The CPCA is responsible for the appointment of bishops and the administration of churches in China. It aims to foster a sense of national identity among Chinese Catholics while maintaining a degree of control over religious practices, which has led to tensions with those who remain loyal to the Pope.