China ‘has made real efforts to establish Vatican ties’

China has made real efforts toward establishing relations with the Vatican, a Chinese religious affairs official said on Tuesday (April 3).

Chen Zongrong, who was vice-administrator of the State Administration for Religious Affairs until the government combined it with another agency in a recent restructuring, made the comment at a news briefing.

Chen also said that Fujian Catholic bishop Guo Xijin, an "underground bishop" who is recognized by the Vatican but not the Chinese government, was not arrested but instead invited to another diocese.

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 when Communism became dominant in China.

(Source: Agencies)

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