Pope Francis diedAnd while the world expressed the loss, China’s reaction It was significantly silent. the ChinaOfficially atheistIt includes millions CatholicsBut the government maintains a complex relationship with Vatican. The death of the religious leader It represents the loss of a global leader promoted this approach between the two entities.
A Chinese government media Small coverage dedicated to death PWhat is Francisco. Official response to Chinese government It came about 24 hours after the announcement VaticanIn a press conference for Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Speaker, JiakonHe expressed condolences and mentioned desire China To continue to improve relationships with Vatican.
“In recent years, China and the Vatican have maintained constructive contact and have been useful. China is ready to work with the Vatican to enhance the continuous improvement of Chinese and Vikician relations,” said Qouh Jiakon.
This answer highlights the sensitivity of relationships between The Chinese Communist PartyOfficially atheistAnd Santa is. A China and Vatican They have not maintained official diplomatic relations since 1951, when the Communist regime broke the relations and expelled the papal envoy.
Taiwan: A controversial topic
One of the controversial points in the relationship between Beijing and the representation of the Catholic Church is the fact that Vatican Learn about sovereignty TaiwanThe point of disagreement with ChinaWhich claims the island as part of the Chinese region.
TaiwanIn turn, it was an immediate reaction with the death news Pope Francisco. President Lay Cheng T. He expressed condolences on behalf of the Taiwanese people. the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan I announced sending an envoy to a funeral Pope.
The independence of the island is not the main point of the dispute between the Church and the Communist government. Catholic bishops set China It was a point of conflict between Vatican E Beijing.
S. The Chinese Communist Party He exercises strict control of religion in ChinaAllow only worship in the state -controlled churches. The Chinese Catholics, which is estimated at 10 million Vatican.
S. Pope Francisco Even a company A historic but controversial agreement with the Chinese government in 2018, which was renewed in 2020 and 2022, with a new extension in 2026 to address this issue.
Agreement between China E Vatican
The 2018 agreement requested a compromise in the appointment of bishops. Its details have not been revealed, which generates fears between the members of the Secret Church, who are afraid to give up. the Vatican He defends the agreement, saying that it produces results and expects a permanent office in China.
Critics are wondering about the church union with the Chinese government, which restricts religious freedom under the leadership Xi Jinping. S. Vatican He insists that the agreement aims to expand the number of Catholic believers in China. The situation leaves Catholics in Taiwan Fear of your future if it is Vatican Change your diplomatic position.
Catholicism is one of the five confessed religions by the state in ChinaWhere religious practice is strictly controlled by Communist Party.
Pope Francisco Express the desire to visit China
It is estimated that there are about 6 million Catholics in ChinaAccording to official data, but the actual number may be higher given by those who bring secret churches. the PWhat is Francisco Express the desire to visit ChinaA country that the Pope did not visit.
The Vatican sought the Pope with Xi Jinping, but China refused, the source says
In 2014, and PWhat is Francisco Send a message to Xi Jinping In flying over the Chinese airspace on its way to South Korea. In 2023, during a visit to Mongolia, he sent greetings to the Chinese people and asked the Chinese to be good Christians and good citizens.
Speaking to the journalists who accompanied him on his trip to the Central Asian Republic, Francis was asked whether he could meet something in his capital, Nour Saltan, where the two will be on Wednesday (14).
The Pope answered, “I have no news on this topic.” “I am always ready to go to China.”
Francisco tried to reduce the historically bad relationship Roman Catholic bishops set Na China.