
Vatican Largely Silent as China Forces Catholics to ‘Adapt to Socialist Society’
For many years, knowledgeable voices have been warning the Vatican about the dangers of Sinicization.
For many years, knowledgeable voices have been warning the Vatican about the dangers of Sinicization.
Perhaps the most remarkable moment of the evening came when the conversation turned to those times when the Lord seems to be deaf to the pleas of his people — times not unlike what many Catholics experience today.
Pope Francis and his secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, support the deal’s renewal despite the absence of tangible benefits for the local faithful.
EDITORIAL: On the surface, it’s difficult to find many observers who support the Holy See’s assumption of the Chinese government’s good faith.
COMMENTARY: Ukraine last month received what it has been demanding for months — an unequivocal condemnation of Russia for its aggressive war by the Holy See.
Departing from previous statements, the Holy Father has recently emphasized his desire to visit Kyiv, though conditions on the ground and his personal health will be determining factors.
COMMENTARY: Moral pressure is really the only ‘power’ that the Catholic Church can exert on communist China. Will it do so now?
Cardinal Pietro Parolin’s comments on China come as the Holy See’s provisional agreement with Beijing is due to expire in October.
The Holy See has chosen not to follow the lead of many EU countries, including Italy, that are already easing their COVID-19 restrictions.
The cardinal also reflected on measures to restrict the spread of COVID-19, which at times risked infringing on the right to religious freedom.
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