ROME (AP) — The Vatican made another big overture to China on Tuesday, reaffirming the Catholic Church poses no threat to Beijing’s sovereignty and admitting that Western missionaries had made “errors” in past centuries in their zeal to convert the Chinese faithful.
The Vatican hosted the head of China’s bishops conference for an unprecedented, high-level commemoration of a landmark 1924 meeting in Shanghai that affirmed the need for foreign missionaries in China to give way to local church leaders.
The presence of Shanghai Bishop Joseph Shen Bin alongside the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, at the Pontifical Urbaniana University was in itself noteworthy. It marked the first time in memory that a mainland bishop has been allowed by Beijing to participate in a public Vatican event as the keynote speaker.
It was also significant given the controversy over Shen’s 2023 appointment. Pope Francis in July was forced to recognize China’s unilateral appointment of Shen as bishop of Shanghai. The appointment seemingly violated the Holy See’s 2018 accord with Beijing over bishop appointments.
Guardians ruin Francisco Lindor's Cleveland homecoming, trip Mets 3
Advancing Rural Development Through Modern Agriculture
Across China: Hainan's Ethnic Tea Grower Strives for Collective Prosperity
Pic Story: Nursing Worker of Elderly Care in Yuhu District, Hunan
Haiti’s international airport reopens after gang violence
Former Teacher Helps Farmers Get Keen on Quinoa
China's Xie wins men's 100m gold at Hangzhou Asiad
China's top legislature to strengthen recording, review of normative documents
UK court rules that extension of UK police powers to intervene in protests is unlawful
Former Teacher Helps Farmers Get Keen on Quinoa
Germany and Real Madrid great Toni Kroos to retire after Euro 2024
NPC Deputy from Hunan Province Dedicated to Improving People's Livelihood at Grassroots Level