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Laurie Chen

China is keen to develop its relationship with the Vatican and appreciates the goodwill shown by Pope Francis, the foreign ministry said on Thursday.
On a flight from Tokyo to Rome on Tuesday, the pontiff said that he “loves China” and “would like to go to Beijing”.
Beijing responded on Thursday, with foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang saying it was keen to have a good relationship with the Vatican.
“We appreciate the goodwill and friendship expressed by the Pope,” he said. “We have maintained good communications with the Vatican and are pleased about the improvement and progress of Sino-Vatican relations.
“China is sincere and active in promoting Sino-Vatican relations, and is open to and welcomes the development of relations.”


During his flight, Pope Francis also mentioned Hong Kong but avoided taking sides on the long-running protests in the city.
“It’s not only Hong Kong, there are various problematic situations that I am unable to evaluate at the moment. I respect peace and I ask for peace for all these countries that have problems, Spain too,” he said.
“It is better to put things in perspective and to call for dialogue, for peace, so that problems can be resolved. And finally, I would like to go to Beijing, I love China.”


The Pope was flying back to the Vatican after a week-long Asian tour that began in Bangkok on November 19. Thousands of Chinese Catholics flew to the Thai capital to take part in the celebrations for the visit of the spiritual leader.
Beijing has a strained relationship with the Vatican as the city state is Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in Europe. Beijing broke off diplomatic relations with the Holy See in 1951.
China to double down on bringing doctrine in line with socialist dogma
As China’s global influence has grown, many of Taipei’s diplomatic allies have switched allegiance to Beijing, with the most recent being the Pacific island nations of the Solomon Islands and Kiribati.
The self-ruled island now has just 15 diplomatic allies and is becoming increasingly isolated on the world stage.
Pope Francis has sought to improve ties with Beijing in recent years, but the two sides have clashed over whether the Vatican or the Chinese government should have the right to appoint bishops.
A landmark agreement reached in September last year states that the pontiff has the ultimate say, but that candidates will be selected from a pool vetted by Beijing.


Cardinal’s meeting with Pope a good sign for Sino-Vatican relations

Pope Leo XIV pledges commitment to Beijing-Vatican ties, Hong Kong cardinal says

Beijing hoping for closer ties with Vatican after Pope Leo names first Chinese bishop

Pope Leo prays for Chinese Catholics to be in communion with Rome

China-Vatican relations

China open to closer relationship with Vatican, Beijing says after Pope Francis’ words of peace

Pope Francis said on Tuesday he loved China and would like to go to Beijing. Photo: Reuters

Pope Francis avoids offence in greetings to Hong Kong, Beijing and Taipei

Pope Francis sent goodwill messages to the leaders in Beijing, Hong Kong and Taipei. Photo: Reuters

Pope Francis heads to Thailand for Catholic masses and meeting with King Maha Vajiralongkorn

Pope Francis blesses attendees during an audience at the Vatican, ahead of the start of his fourth visit to Asia. Photo: AFP

epa08005138 A Thai Catholic patient who has been chosen to meet the pontiff, Nutwaree Chotjinda, 67, (L) sits on a wheelchair as she is cared by nursing manager Sr. Johanna Buntongmak (R) during a pastoral care at Saint Louis Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, 17 October 2019 (issued 18 November 2019). The 121-year-old Saint Louis Hospital was established in 1898 founded by Mgr. Louis Vey, a French Apostolic Vicar of Roman Catholic Mission in Siam and appointing the Sister of Saint Paul de Chartres as a rector. The hospital is a non-profit private hospital providing medical health care to patients without distinction of race, social condition and religion. The hospital also establish a charity clinic for all religions poor people to celebrate the hospital visit trip of Pope John Paul II in 1984. Pope Francis is scheduled to meet medics and patients at the Saint Louis Hospital during his apostolic visit Thailand on 20 to 23 November 2019 to mark the 350th anniversary of the founding of 'Mis

epa08005127 Thai workers work during a set up for Pope Francis Holy Mass at National Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, 18 November 2019. Pope FrancisÕ apostolic visit Thailand is scheduled on 20 to 23 November 2019 to mark the 350th anniversary of the founding of 'Mission de Siam' as well as to promote the inter-religious dialogue. Pope Francis is the first pontiff to visit Thailand in nearly four decades and the pope will be the second papal to visit Thailand after the late John Paul II in 1984. EPA-EFE/RUNGROJ YONGRIT

Two brand-new Vatican-approved Popemobiles have been prepared which will be used at the national stadium and St Peter’s Parish for him to get access to as many people as possible. Photo: Jitsiree Thongnoi

In this photo taken on November 13, 2019, Sister Ana Rosa, cousin of Pope Francis, gestures during an interview with Agence France-Presse at the Salesian Sisters Convent in Bangkok. - Sister Ana Rosa shares a great grandfather with the pope and will be at his side to act as an interpreter, attending the two masses he will lead at the Assumption Cathedral and at a stadium in Bangkok. (Photo by Romeo GACAD / AFP) / TO GO WITH THAILAND-VATICAN-RELIGION-POPE

China’s religion chiefs to double down on bringing doctrine in line with socialist dogma

China is seeking to develop “theology with Chinese characteristics” and make religion more compatible with socialism. Photo: Reuters

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China

Diplomacy


‘We appreciate the goodwill and friendship expressed by the Pope,’ foreign ministry says
‘China is sincere and active in promoting Sino-Vatican relations [and] welcomes the development of relations



‘We appreciate the goodwill and friendship expressed by the Pope,’ foreign ministry says.


Taiwan

Pope Francis