One of these had died two years before, but the government of Beijing demanded and obtained this anomalous posthumous amnesty as well.
In exchange, however, Francis did not obtain the corresponding recognition, on the part of China, of the so-called “underground” bishops, consecrated by Rome without the government’s agreement.
It isn’t “anomalous”. It is reputation demolition of a long-respected man. It is an attack on the faithful culture he cultivated.
You see the same thing when liberals tear down historical monuments. Either destroy it or demonize it, but always tear down the contrary culture so that no one wants to be associated with it.