Source: Reuters
BEIJING (Reuters) – An agreement between China and the Vatican could be signed as soon as the end of this month as talks have reached the final stages, a Chinese state-run newspaper reported, citing a senior Chinese Catholic.
Bishop Joseph Li Shan of Beijing delivers the homily during a 2017 Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Beijing. As rumors fly of an imminent Vatican-China deal on the appointment of bishops, a Belgian priest known as an expert on China said he thinks an agreement might really happen. (CNS photo/Wu Hong) See CHINA-DEAL-HEYNDRICKX March 21, 2018.
Catholics in China are split between “underground” communities that recognize the pope and those belonging to the Catholic Patriotic Association where bishops are appointed by the government in collaboration with Church communities.
A senior Vatican source told Reuters last month a framework accord was ready and could be signed in months. It could open the way for a resumption of diplomatic relations nearly 70 years after they were cut during the Communist takeover of China.
Categories: Asia, China, The Muslim Times, Vatican