Vatican paper calls him one of the shining figures of the Chinese episcopate in an article that highlights the time he spent in labour camps and the optimism he had for the future of Sino-Vatican relations.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) – The Osservatore Romano published today an article in memory of Mgr Li Du'an, "one of the shining figures of the Chinese episcopate". For the Vatican paper, he was "steadfast in upholding the principles of the Catholic faith, [and] made every effort to engage others in dialogue, seeking possible points of agreement and looking for room to announce the Gospel."

Mgr Li Duan will be remembered for "those many terrible years of persecution spent in prison or in forced labour camps because of his faith." Yet, "he was appreciated for his great optimism in the future of the Church in China. He was fond of repeating: 'This is a favourable time for the evangelisation of China'." In fact, "just days after the unlawful consecration of two bishops in Kunming and Wuhu on April 30 and May 3, he was still equally optimistic about the future of Sino-Vatican relations."

"Chinese Catholics as a whole are hopeful that 'relations between China and the Vatican will be established within three to five years,' he used to say with conviction. 'There are difficulties, but it will be possible to establish diplomatic relations within a reasonable length of time. We are hopeful. I would like all of us to pray so as to turn relations between the Holy See and Beijing into reality, hopefully within my lifetime."

"'There are difficulties, but both sides can reach a deal. For Catholics it is not a question of 'dual loyalty'— one to Beijing and the other to the Pope—because the two belong to separate spheres. With the establishment of diplomatic relations [between them] this would not constitute an obstacle. I know Pope Benedict XVI cares a lot about the Chinese Church. My great wish would be to see him in China.'"

"Mgr Li Duan left us before his dream could come true, but from Heaven he can certainly achieve this goal for the good of the country, which he has served with loyalty, and that of the Church in China, for whom he did not spare a single moment of his life."

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