ROME (AP) — The Vatican made another big overture to China on Tuesday, reaffirming the Catholic Church poses no threat to Beijing’s sovereignty and admitting that Western missionaries had made “errors” in past centuries in their zeal to convert the Chinese faithful. The Vatican hosted the head of China’s bishops conference for an unprecedented, high-level commemoration of a landmark 1924 meeting in Shanghai that affirmed the need for foreign missionaries in China to give way to local church leaders. The presence of Shanghai Bishop Joseph Shen Bin alongside the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, at the Pontifical Urbaniana University was in itself noteworthy. It marked the first time in memory that a mainland bishop has been allowed by Beijing to participate in a public Vatican event as the keynote speaker. It was also significant given the controversy over Shen’s 2023 appointment. Pope Francis in July was forced to recognize China’s unilateral appointment of Shen as bishop of Shanghai. The appointment seemingly violated the Holy See’s 2018 accord with Beijing over bishop appointments. |
Xi Signs Presidential Order to Appoint Li Qiang as PremierChina ‘disappointed' as US blocks Gaza ceasefire for 4th time at UNThe world in photos: Feb 26 – March 3Neatly arranged new energy vehicles await shipment to overseas marketsJilin eyes stable foreign trade growth in 2024Ministry: US practice disrupts normal business activitiesXi Focus: China Pursues Development for People's WellHuitengxile Grassland appeared green and lush with wind turbines towering highChinese bank unveils green bond in LondonXi Story: Fostering and Mentoring Young Officials