Beijing, Vatican prepare to resume talks for first time since 2010
Meeting said to be in the works, but recent anti-church actions could complicate dialogue
China and the Vatican are preparing to resume a long-stalled dialogue as changes of leadership on both sides have created an opportunity for communication, people close to the Roman Catholic Church said.
But the recent mass demolition of churches - both Catholic and Protestant - in Wenzhou, Zhejiang, and the election of a state-sanctioned bishop in Chengdu, Sichuan, make it doubtful the two sides can bridge major differences, the two people said.
"The atmosphere is quite positive for both sides to restart the dialogue now," a person close to the Holy See said, highlighting hopes generated by the relatively new leadership in both the Vatican and Beijing.
The Vatican was now waiting for Beijing to confirm the time and location of the talks, he added. Another person close to the Hong Kong church said the meeting could happen this year.
This is the best time to [re-establish ties] ... we shouldn't miss it
If formal talks are held they would be the first between the two sides since 2010, when Beijing's unilateral ordination of bishops damaged what had been an improving relationship.