Vatican continues tenuous diplomacy with China

More dialogue between communists and legitimate cardinals

Bishop Joseph Wu Qinjing of Zhouzhi was ordained a bishop with approval from the Vatican, but is only recognized as a priest by the Chinese government. (Catholic News Service)

Diplomatic contact between the Vatican and the People's Republic of China has been cool for the past 50 years. The B.C. Catholic columnist Msgr. Pedro Lopez-Gallo explains why he believes China could one day become a great Catholic nation.

During the last few years there has been a slight improvement in relations between the two, despite the continuing support the Chinese government gives to the Patriotic Catholic Church.

The government favours the expansion of the Patriotic National Church and has permitted four legitimate bishops to consecrate several priests. However, this was performed without the consent of the Holy See, and therefore the ordinations are valid but illicit.

By 1995 the Patriotic Association claimed to have a membership of 3.6 million, but the number has not been confirmed.

On Oct. 6, 2012, Hu Jintao gave up supreme command, and was replaced by Xi Jinping, who seems more inclined to adopt a new style of public life. Will he recognize the Vatican and withdraw favour from the Patriotic Association?

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