Beijing: crackdown on Catholics, priests who challenge illegal ordinations denied entry
The canceled visa of Fr. Mella, a PIME priest, is not an isolated incident. AsiaNews sources report "several similar cases” in recent weeks. The crackdown the result of tensions between China and the Vatican over illicit ordinations. It could "go on for some time" and is a source of regret to the faithful who desire "unity with the Pope."
Hong Kong (AsiaNews) - The denial of a visa to China for Fr. Franco Mella "is not an isolated incident," because in recent weeks "there have been some similar cases." Beijing "has tightened entry controls" after increasing tensions with the Vatican over the illicit ordinations of some bishops. A priest based in Hong Kong, who requested anonymity for security reasons, confirmed as much to AsiaNews. He adds that "the crackdown on Catholics could go on for some time" and is a source of "deep regret and sadness" among the faithful, who desire "unity with the pope and the Church."
Last week, immigration officials in Shenzhen, in Guangdong province in southern China, denied entry visas to Fr. Franco Mella, an Italian priest of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME). For the first time in 20 years, a missionary based in Hong Kong has been blocked by border authorities. Behind the gesture is their adherence to recent protests over illicit ordinations decided by the Patriotic Association (PA), strongly criticized by the Vatican. Yesterday card. Zen, archbishop emeritus of Hing Kong also spoke on out on the issue (see 26/07/2011 AsiaNews, Cardinal Zen: the absurdity of an atheist government that wants to lead the Catholic Church).
"They kept me for over an hour in a room," says the 62 year old PIME priest, "asking me to watch TV. Then they came back and told me that my Chinese visa was canceled. " "They gave me no explanation," then three officials "escorted me to the Hong Kong border crossing." He wanted to visit the province of Henan and had obtained clearance a month ago.
The case of Fr Mella "is not an isolated incident," said a Catholic source for AsiaNews in Hong Kong, because "in recent weeks there have been some similar cases." One priest’s entry visa to China was cancelled, others were "blocked at the airport and sent back on board the first available flight." The increasing control on entry "affects only some cases in particular," because others "were able to regularly enter China." "Beijing - the source adds – targeted some personalities" and the choice is motivated by their recent support for protests against the illicit ordinations of bishops.
The Catholic community is concerned that "the restrictions will continue for the foreseeable future" and much will depend on the evolution of relations between Beijing and the Holy See, and if there are "new illicit ordinations" by the PA. Certainly, says the source, among the faithful there is a climate of "deep regret and sadness" about what is happening. "The desire for unity with the pope and the Church is strong, but there are formidable obstacles are." (DS)
Last week, immigration officials in Shenzhen, in Guangdong province in southern China, denied entry visas to Fr. Franco Mella, an Italian priest of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME). For the first time in 20 years, a missionary based in Hong Kong has been blocked by border authorities. Behind the gesture is their adherence to recent protests over illicit ordinations decided by the Patriotic Association (PA), strongly criticized by the Vatican. Yesterday card. Zen, archbishop emeritus of Hing Kong also spoke on out on the issue (see 26/07/2011 AsiaNews, Cardinal Zen: the absurdity of an atheist government that wants to lead the Catholic Church).
"They kept me for over an hour in a room," says the 62 year old PIME priest, "asking me to watch TV. Then they came back and told me that my Chinese visa was canceled. " "They gave me no explanation," then three officials "escorted me to the Hong Kong border crossing." He wanted to visit the province of Henan and had obtained clearance a month ago.
The case of Fr Mella "is not an isolated incident," said a Catholic source for AsiaNews in Hong Kong, because "in recent weeks there have been some similar cases." One priest’s entry visa to China was cancelled, others were "blocked at the airport and sent back on board the first available flight." The increasing control on entry "affects only some cases in particular," because others "were able to regularly enter China." "Beijing - the source adds – targeted some personalities" and the choice is motivated by their recent support for protests against the illicit ordinations of bishops.
The Catholic community is concerned that "the restrictions will continue for the foreseeable future" and much will depend on the evolution of relations between Beijing and the Holy See, and if there are "new illicit ordinations" by the PA. Certainly, says the source, among the faithful there is a climate of "deep regret and sadness" about what is happening. "The desire for unity with the pope and the Church is strong, but there are formidable obstacles are." (DS)
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