Hong Kong Cardinal Expresses Worry over China-Vatican Relations
Jun 05, 2006
Joseph Zen, the newly installed cardinal of Hong Kong, expressed worry over the worsening China-Vatican relation after China facilitated the ordinations of three bishops without the consent of the Vatican in May.
(Christian Post, Jun. 3, 2006) Cardinal Zen was in Rome, Italy, last week by invitation.
"The Holy See made a very clear statement, even in the face of that statement the government has responded very mildly," he said, as reported by Kyodo News.
Bishop Vincent Zhan Silu was appointed head of the Mindong Diocese in Eastern Fujian without being approved by the Pope in mid-May, following the similar ordinations of Bishop Ma Yinglin of Yunnan Province and Bishop Liu Xinhong of Anhui Province.
After the Communist Party took over China in 1949, Catholics churches in China were only recognized if they joined the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association. Under the system, such churches are prohibited from being loyal to the pope and the appointment of bishops is carried out by the Chinese government.
China has insisted on independency in the appointment of bishops, saying it is a "prerequisite" for rebuilding the China-Vatican ties. However, the Vatican has suggested a moderate method, in which the Holy See presents various names that the government can then choose from.
Zen, a pro-democracy and outspoken figure against China’s restricted religious policy, once commented during his elevation to cardinal in March that "only if China is willing to open itself and grant more religious freedom, should the Sino-Vatican tie be recovered."
During the most recent interview with Cable TV, Zen urged the Vatican to take a hard-line stance and stop all dialogue with China in the light of China’s stubborn actions, according to Kyodo News.
On the other hand, Zen still has strong sympathy to the millions of believers in China, saying, "We have received this fortune, which is the faith; others do not have it, especially in China," during a solemn Mass in the Tor Bella Monaca section of Rome on Wednesday, Zenit news agency reported.
In the Diocese of Hong Kong, there are some 250,000 faithful out of a total population of 7 million; Zen thanked God for the gift of faith.
Hong Kong Cardinal Expresses Worry over China-Vatican Relations