Pope Leo called for prayers for Catholics in China to be united with the Holy See as he made his first official statement on one of the most pressing foreign policy issues facing his new pontificate.
The pope recalled that on Saturday the Catholic Church celebrated a special feast dedicated to prayer for the church in China. Pope Benedict XVI initiated the tradition as part of his efforts to unite some 12 million Catholics in China, who are divided between the official, state church, which does not recognize papal authority, and an underground church loyal to Rome during decades of persecution.
Leo stressed that on this day, “in churches and shrines in China and throughout the world, prayers are offered to God, expressing concern and love for Chinese Catholics and their unity with the universal Church.”
Speaking from the window of his residence during a midday blessing on Sunday, Leo prayed that Catholics in China and elsewhere “may receive the grace to be strong and joyful witnesses of the Gospel, even in conditions of trial, to continually promote peace and harmony.”
Pope Francis expanded Benedict’s unifying efforts by approving a controversial agreement on the appointment of bishops in 2018. Its details have never been made public, but it gives the state-controlled church a say in the appointment of its leaders, though Francis has emphasized that he retains a veto over the final selection.
The agreement was criticized by some, especially the Catholic right, as being acquiescent to Beijing's demands and a betrayal of the underground faithful in China. The Vatican said it was the best deal it could make, and it has been extended periodically since.
Leo will have to decide whether to continue to extend the agreement. There have been some clear violations by Beijing, including unilateral appointments made without the pope's consent.
The issue came to a head just before the conclave that elected Pope Leo, when the Chinese church began a preliminary election of two bishops, a step before the formal consecration.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
