Pope Francis gives an audience at the Paul VI audience Hall on Jan. 5 in the Vatican. In an interview with a Spanish newspaper the pope indicated he would go to China if invited by the Chinese government. (Photo by AFP)
China has reiterated its sincerity in improving ties with the Vatican after Pope Francis expressed his readiness to visit the country in an interview.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chunying, avoided giving a direct answer when asked during a regular news briefing if China would invite the pope for a visit following the pope's remarks on China in an interview with Spanish daily El Pais.
"China's position is consistent and clear. It is sincere about improving ties with the Vatican and the current contact channel between the two sides is effective," Hua said Jan. 23.
China would like to work with the Vatican for constructive dialogue and strive for the continuous development of bilateral relations, she said.
In the El Pais interview, published on Jan. 20, Pope Francis said he would love to go to China if invited.
He also revealed a Vatican commission has been communicating with China for years and alternate meetings are held every three months in Rome and Beijing.
"There is a lot of dialogue with China. China always has that halo of mystery that is fascinating," he said.
