China open to closer relationship with Vatican, Beijing says after Pope Francis’ words of peace
- ‘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
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.”
“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.”
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
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.
