For Chinese Catholics, Pope Francis should talks to the Chinese govt but make no compromise
Beijing (AsiaNews) - Catholics in mainland China hope that Pope Francis will help establish Sino-Vatican relations and visit China some day, a wish not realized by previous popes, but warned him not to compromise with the Communist authorities.
Even though the China media was flooded with reports on the change of leadership in mainland China, the Catholics in China were attentive to the situation of the election of a new Pope.
Priests and laypeople there told AsiaNews that they hope the new Pontiff will be adamant to the faith and principles of the Catholic Church.
A priest in Hebei province, northern China, even warned Pope Francis not to compromise with atheists and Communist authorities, hoping that the new Pope will concern the underground Church, especially on the appointment of bishops in the underground side.
Also, the priest hoped the Pope would be cautious of the Holy See officials who tend to "compromise" with Beijing authorities because such compromise will aggravate the wounds of the Catholics in China and create more chaos among them.
A priest in Shanxi province, northern China, noted that the Church should alienate from politics, including renouncing positions at the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and National People's Congress. "Now the Church lacks vitality and spiritual life and we need spiritual renewal," he noted.
A sister, who had studied abroad, said that the Pope will help improve the Sino-Vatican relations and development of the Church in China. "The appointment of bishops can be resolved in a better way, without going to extremes. Also, the Catholics in China may have more collaboration and exchange with Church organizations in different countries," she observed. Therefore, the open and underground Church communities in China can be united gradually, she said.
As Pope Francis is well known for his simplicity of life, Catholics in China told AsiaNews that they hope his leadership will lead the Church, including the Catholic clergy and sisters in China not to succumb to secularization and to strengthen their spiritual life.
"This will help the training of Catholics in China since the moral life of some priests and sisters in China is poor. The pope's simplicity of life will influence the Church," a sister said.
"I really hope the Holy Father will care for the little flock in Mainland China," a laywoman in eastern China said, "as we are like a feeble limb of Jesus Christ."
[1] Some unlawful bishops have become members of these two political organisations. Membership brings huge benefits comparable to those enjoyed by a deputy minister. See Jei Mei, "Beijing, illicit and excommunicated bishops promoted to political office in Parliament and Consultative Conference," in AsiaNews, 5 March 2013.
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05/12/2017 12:02
