The final word should not be exclusively on the side of an atheist government.

By appointing their own bishops hastily and illegally, they [the Patriotic Catholic Association] tried to impose their own selection on the Vatican. This shows disregard for the spirit of the negotiation and disrupts mutual trust.

And especially the newer bishops. Everybody knows they were appointed by the Holy Father.

My impression is that they've entered into real talks.

Only the Holy Father can decide which men are suitable. But if the government is worried about an appointment, they can give their views.

But there will be time.