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'Difficulties ahead' for China-Vatican relations

Hopes are slim of China Church's freedom
'Difficulties ahead' for China-Vatican relations
Cardinal John Tong (far left) with Cardinal Joseph Zen and Archbishop Savio Hon in Rome (photo courtesy of Kung Kao Po)
Published: February 28, 2012 10:36 AM GMT
Updated: February 28, 2012 11:02 AM GMT

Chinese Catholics recently welcomed a new addition to the College of Cardinals in the person of John Tong of Hong Kong. Other notable experts on the China Church were also tapped by the Vatican for key positions last year – Cardinal Fernando Filoni and Archbishop Savio Hon, who now heads the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. Some have greeted these developments with hope of improved relations between the Holy See and Beijing after months of tension exacerbated by illicit episcopal ordinations. However some Church-in-China observers have said that rather than improvements they fear the deadlock in relations would remain. “China is now rich and powerful. Even though there are 10 cardinals who understand China affairs, who can be as outspoken as Cardinal Joseph Zen?” said Sr Beatrice Leung Kit-fun. “Beijing only dreads strong figures like Zen, as he has won international confidence.” Sr Leung, a professor of politics in Macau, said Chinese leaders have other concerns at the moment, such as ensuring a smooth leadership transition ahead of the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China later this year. “Nobody dares to make a decision on matters related to the Vatican at this critical time,” she said, adding that tight control of the Church would not likely relax until the party congress ends. Sr Leung said reports that the former vice mayor of Chongqing municipality, Wang Lijun, had allegedly sought asylum in the US on February 6 have exposed severe rifts within the party. “Wang is the first high-level Chinese official to seek refuge in a foreign country in 40 years,” she said. “Beijing has paid close attention to the latest defection attempt.” Ren Yanli, a retired researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing, said he thinks the Vatican’s appointments of China experts might be interpreted as an “unfriendly act” by the Chinese government. He said this year’s prospects for China-Vatican relations are not easy to forecast, as formal contacts between the two sides have ceased since the illicit episcopal ordinations. Hong Kong-based observer Kwun Ping-hung said the Vatican has pardoned legitimate bishops who took part in the recent illicit ordinations and China has not ordained any bishop candidate who does not have Vatican approval since last July. He said this would “produce negative meanings to the principle and bottom line that each party has held fast” but would help prevent deterioration of relations on the surface. This may be a “common wish without consensus,” he noted, and this might likely be a factor for “maintaining status quo and further slowing down their relations” this year. Father Mudi, pseudonym of a mainland priest, said that unlike in the past, China’s foreign ministry held its tongue after the Vatican’s excommunications of two illicit bishops last year, though the State Administration for Religious Affairs did issue a few words in protest. “It means Beijing would show some scruples towards the Vatican when it is serious and principled. But since the slogans of independence and self-ordination are shouted loudly, China still has to save face,” he said. Fr Mudi said he expects the wave of self-ordinations to subside temporarily but foresees there will be twists and turns ahead. “Don’t take China-Vatican diplomatic ties too seriously. Even if they were established, I have slim hopes that the China Church could enjoy the freedom it deserves.” Related reports Flawed strategies hurt Church in China Meeting raises questions over Beijing’s motives Mixed reception for Vatican’s view

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