Rome, Italy, Mar 9, 2006 / 22:00 pm
Increasingly, Catholics in China want to re-establish relations with the Holy See and that the latter is ready to move from Taiwan to Beijing, said Bishop Zen Ze Kium.
The bishop of Hong Kong was recently named to the College of Cardinals by Pope Benedict XVI. His appointment will become official at the consistory at the end of March.
However, Liu Bainian, vice-chairman of the Patriotic Association of Chinese Catholics protested the new appointment, calling it "a hostile act in relation to China."
“The Patriotic Association of Chinese Catholics is obviously worried about the idea of a normalisation of relations between China and the Holy See," the bishop told reporters, responding to Bainian’s remarks. He urged Bainian instead to work to persuade Chinese authorities to allow the rapprochement between China and the Vatican, thereby creating greater harmony in society.
The Holy Father is not interested in politics, but in freedom of religion for the Chinese faithful, said the bishop.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA