Zen says he has been approached by Beijing
Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun yesterday reiterated his belief that diplomatic ties between the mainland and the Vatican could be restored in two years.
The cardinal said he had been contacted by mainland officials to discuss how best to re-establish Sino-Vatican ties. He said he was first approached about a month ago, adding he believed formal diplomatic ties could be restored by 2008.
'It is beyond my expectations because I always supposed they would not like me to meddle in this affair. It seems I can hope to have a chance to also contribute,' the cardinal said on RTHK.
He also said he had received complaints from the church in Taiwan over his remarks that the Vatican was prepared to cut ties with Taipei in exchange for restoring formal links with Beijing.
'It will be a painful decision on the part of the Vatican. I hope the Vatican will be more tactful and tell Taiwan people that this does not mean the Holy See does not care for the people of Taiwan,' he said.
The cardinal is meeting Pope Benedict next month in the Vatican for further discussions.
Earlier last week, Cardinal Zen said the Pope seemed to have raised mainland interest in dialogue with the Vatican and 'both parties have the sincerity to keep dialogue going'.
Cardinal Zen has said the Pope wished to visit the mainland, and did not rule out a visit before official relations were re-established.
Father Dominic Chan Chi-ming, vicar-general of the Hong Kong Catholic diocese, said despite the apparent lack of a definite timetable for restoring Sino-Vatican ties, dialogue was important.
