Cardinal says China must overcome `old prejudices'
Mar 04, 2006
Hong Kong's newly appointed cardinal said on Tuesday that China's communist government needs to overcome "old prejudices" toward the Catholic Church for the Vatican to make a breakthrough in forging relations with Beijing.
(AP, Mar 02, 2006) ROME - But Bishop Joseph Zen said he was hopeful in the long run, insisting that there was "no harsh reaction" to his appointment from China even though he was told to avoid politics. And Zen, who is seen as an outspoken supporter of religious freedom, said he will continue speaking out on social issues.
"If the pope can do it for the whole world, I can do it for Hong Kong," he said in an interview while on a brief visit to Rome.
China cut ties with the Vatican in 1951, shortly after the Communist Party took power in Beijing. Worship is only allowed in government-controlled churches, although millions of Chinese Catholics belong to the so-called "underground church" loyal to Rome.
Zen called it a "desire, but it's possible" that China and the Vatican can resolve their differences in time for the Summer Olympics in Beijing in 2008.
"If the pope can [speak out on social issues] for the whole world, I can do it for Hong Kong."
Joseph Zen, Hong Kong cardinal
The main stumbling blocks have been the Vatican's recognition of Taiwan and China's demand to have a say in the appointment of bishops.
Vatican officials have suggested both can be overcome, and Zen said the Taiwanese are "psychologically preparing" for a change in their status with the Vatican.
Since assuming the papacy in April, Pope Benedict XVI has attached particular importance to improving the relationship with China.
"We know they have no reason to be afraid of religion," Zen said, suggesting mending the rift is only a matter of time.
Until such relations are established, Zen indicated that a papal visit -- long the hope of Benedict's predecessor, John Paul II -- was out of the question.
He confirmed that China blocked John Paul II from stopping in Hong Kong in 1999 for a meeting of Asian bishops. The meeting was held instead in New Delhi, and the pope visited.
Pope Paul VI made a three-hour stopover in Hong Kong in 1970 when it was a British colony.
The bishop, a firm advocate of democracy and religious freedom, criticized the Beijing-backed Hong Kong government for chipping away at church control of Catholic schools, which he said have made the church an influential institution in Hong Kong beyond its small numbers.
But he denied being barred from visiting China, although he acknowledged he has been advised to visit only upon invitation.
Zen, along with 14 other prelates named by Benedict, will receive their red hats as cardinals in a Vatican ceremony on March 24. The Hong Kong bishop may also learn about his future.
He will turn 75 in January, the normal retirement age for bishops. Zen could remain in his current post, move to Rome, or retire.
Cardinal says China must overcome `old prejudices'