"Pope Benedict XVI told a delegation from Hong Kong he will visit China in
what would be an extraordinary papal visit to the communist nation, but he said
the trip's timing depends on "God's wish," media reports said Tuesday.
One of the Vatican's goals is to restart official relations with China,
which forced its Roman Catholics to cut ties with the Holy See in 1951 after the
officially atheist Communists took power. People can worship only in
government-controlled churches.
But millions of Chinese belong to unofficial congregations loyal to
Rome. They say they are frequently harassed, fined and sometimes sent to labor
camps by authorities."
Wow! Pope Benedict the XVI will visit Red China following 50+ years of China being ignored by the Catholic Church. What's more scary is that Pope John Paul II, the most traveled Pope, has never been to China. Benedict is obviously trying to become diplomatic, even with the issue of Taiwan being recognized by the Church as being separate. There's also the problem with Hong Kong still expecting their democratic rights that China promised them in 1997....
I'm glad that someone has finally decided to point out China's errors even if its just a peaceful Church. Hopefully Pope Benedict the XVI goes in there and sets them straight.
4 comments:
I can see them being nice to his face, but probably slamming him when he leaves.
China desperately needs freedom of religion, but I don't see that happening any time soon. But I am impressed with the pope's efforts here. It will be interesting to see what it accomplishes.
You know, taking away the religious overtones, I still think it's impressive that the Pope will be visiting and saying his mind. You know Pope Benedict the XVI ain't messing around, he's gonna tell those Commies how it is.
Ummmnnnhhhh...
The Church has not "ignored" Red China.
Red China has stiff-armed the Church. You can bet your bippie that JPII tried to get there...
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