A new mainland Catholic bishop named without papal endorsement said he had felt uneasy in the run-up to his appointment yesterday, but vowed to lead his flock to contribute to the building of an affluent socialist society.
The comments by Liu Xinhong, who was named bishop of Wuhu in Anhui province , came as the Holy See maintained its silence on Beijing's fresh round of appointments without Vatican approval, moves which analysts believe will set back warming Sino-Vatican relations. Top Vatican officials were assessing the impact of the latest incidents and remained 'very prudent and careful' before making any statements, according to church sources.
Hong Kong Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun condemned Beijing's unilateral appointment of Bishop Ma Yinglin of Yunnan on Sunday and said a strong Vatican reaction was forthcoming.
Church sources said the Holy See was aware that Cardinal Zen was under pressure from pro-Beijing critics, who questioned whether his comments were backed by the Vatican.
Last night Cardinal Zen repeated his call for a halt to diplomatic negotiations on re-establishing Sino-Vatican ties.
'Anyone in the world who can reason can tell who is right and who is wrong. It is clear that we can't talk. [Beijing] has damaged the sincerity,' he said.
Speaking at his first Mass since being made a bishop, Bishop Liu said he felt uneasy before deciding to take up the appointment, but he also thanked God for choosing him to tend his flock.