Hong Kong bishop says Vatican wants normalized relations with China

Published: 2005-06-16

HONG KONG (CNS) -- Although the Vatican wants diplomatic ties with China, its policies have not changed under Pope Benedict XVI, a Hong Kong bishop said. Bishop Joseph Zen Ze-kiun addressed the current situation of the mainland church and development of China-Holy See relations when he spoke June 14 at the Foreign Correspondents' Club in Hong Kong on the topic "China and the Vatican," reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand. The Holy See has been making every effort and trying many ways to start formal dialogue, but Beijing showed no interest until some informal contact began in late 2004, Bishop Zen said. He cited dialogue between the Community of Sant'Egidio -- a Rome-based, Vatican-recognized lay organization -- and scholars and officials in China. Such informal discussion "may be useful," he said. Local and international media recently reported the group's meeting with mainland officials.

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