Beijing has made ‘relentless efforts’ to improve ties with Vatican
Foreign ministry says communication has been ‘smooth and effective’ after report that accord on appointment of bishops could be signed in a few months
Beijing on Friday said it has made “relentless efforts” to improve ties with the Vatican, following a report that the two sides could sign a deal on the appointment of bishops within months.
China’s foreign ministry said in a statement that communication between the two sides had been “smooth and effective”.
“China has been sincere in improving its ties with the Vatican, and has made relentless efforts on this,” it said.
“We are willing to make use of the relevant principles to continue conducting constructive dialogue with the Vatican, in order to press ahead with improvements in our relations.”
The statement was issued after Reuters quoted senior Vatican sources as saying that a framework accord between the two sides was ready and could be signed in a few months. Under the deal, the Vatican will have a say in negotiations over the appointment of bishops.
Earlier this week, retired Hong Kong cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun opened up on a recent trip to the Vatican, where he delivered a letter to Pope Francis and had a 30-minute meeting with the pontiff to express his worries about the Chinese government’s suppression of Catholics.