Vatican ties with China

[Joseph]

I read on zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=87088 that the Vatican is seeking diplomatic ties with Beijing.

The two pre-conditions Beijing established for such ties are: 1. Vatican breaking ties with Taiwan, and 2. Vatican non- interference in China’s internal affairs.

The article goes on to state: “The most delicate problem is interference in China’s internal affairs, which for Beijing also includes the right to name Catholic bishops…”

Huh? Naming Catholic Bishops is a Chinese internal affair?–It’s an internal affair of the Catholic Church.

It seems to me that the Vatican ought oblige Beijing to reciprocate and not interfere with the Catholic Church’s internal affairs.

Ironically, the article goes on to say that Chinese Cardinal Cardinal Joseph Zen of Hong Kong said that “Beijing and the Vatican could re-establish diplomatic relations by the 2008 Beijing Olympics.” “I think it’s a very reasonable target…”

Would the Vatican really condescend to admitting that naming Catholic bishops is an element of Chinese internal affairs? Does anyone have any insight into the Vatican’s possible strategy on this?

The two concepts juxtaposed are grating!

Thanks!

 

[halmac1930]

Joseph:

I read on zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=87088 that the Vatican is seeking diplomatic ties with Beijing.

The two pre-conditions Beijing established for such ties are: 1. Vatican breaking ties with Taiwan, and 2. Vatican non- interference in China’s internal affairs.

The article goes on to state: “The most delicate problem is interference in China’s internal affairs, which for Beijing also includes the right to name Catholic bishops…”

Huh? Naming Catholic Bishops is a Chinese internal affair?–It’s an internal affair of the Catholic Church.

It seems to me that the Vatican ought oblige Beijing to reciprocate and not interfere with the Catholic Church’s internal affairs.

Ironically, the article goes on to say that Chinese Cardinal Cardinal Joseph Zen of Hong Kong said that “Beijing and the Vatican could re-establish diplomatic relations by the 2008 Beijing Olympics.” “I think it’s a very reasonable target…”

Would the Vatican really condescend to admitting that naming Catholic bishops is an element of Chinese internal affairs? Does anyone have any insight into the Vatican’s possible strategy on this?

The two concepts juxtaposed are grating!

Thanks!

I certainly hope the Vatican does not go along with the Chinese Communist Govt. It would resemble our own country’s problem with immigration. We need the illegal immigrants (according to political statements) but we do not want to let them dictate our standards (according to political statements).

I feel that Pope Benedict will do what is the essential part of being in his position, that of doing right.