Four Chinese bishops cannot attend synod in Rome, says news agency

Published: 2005-09-30

HONG KONG (CNS) -- The four bishops from mainland China invited to attend the Synod of Bishops at the Vatican cannot attend, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand. A Catholic source close to Bishop Joseph Wei Jingyi of Qiqihar told UCA News Sept. 30 that the bishop's application for a passport had not been approved by the Chinese government, so it was "impossible for him to travel." According to the source, religious affairs officials told Bishop Wei, "Once the diplomatic issue of China and the Holy See is resolved, China will not keep Chinese bishops from attending." The same source quoted the 47-year-old bishop of the underground Catholic community as saying, "I respect the government's decision, but I still want to go if they change their mind." Bishop Aloysius Jin Luxian of Shanghai confirmed that he did not receive government approval to go to Rome for the Oct. 2-23 synod, nor was any explanation given to him. As a result, he told UCA News Sept. 30, he cannot attend the synod.

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