Pope Benedict XVI called on China’s new leaders to “esteem the contributions of the religions” during his traditional Christmas message.
Speaking from the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica in a message watched by millions around the world, the pontiff said on Tuesday that he hoped the new leaders would “help build a fraternal society for that noble people and of the whole world”.
China and the Vatican severed diplomatic ties in 1951 after the latter recognised the Nationalist Chinese government in Taipei, a rival to the communist regime in Beijing.
Although Beijing and the Vatican have improved relations in recent years as China’s Catholic population has grown, they remain at odds over which side has the authority to ordain priests. About 5.7 million Chinese belong to the state-run Catholic church, according to official figures. Independent estimates say 12 million Chinese Catholics worship in unauthorised churches and are loyal to the pope.
The German pope also called for an “end to the bloodshed” and “a political solution” in conflict-wracked Syria.
“There is hope in the world ... even at the most difficult times and in the most difficult situations,” he said, praying that “peace spring up for the people of Syria, deeply wounded and divided by a conflict which does not spare even the defenceless and reaps innocent victims”.