To improve diplomatic relations with Beijing, the Vatican wants to open its own permanent mission in China. This was stated by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, reports Reuters, writes UNN.
Details
The publication noted that relations between the Vatican and communist China have historically been tense, but Pope Francis has made it a priority to normalize them, relying on the landmark 2018 pact on the appointment of bishops.
We have long hoped that we will be able to have a stable presence in China
According to him, the Vatican is ready to consider new diplomatic formulas for this. In particular, last year the Vatican received permission to have a permanent papal representative in Vietnam, another communist country with which it has no diplomatic relations. Parolin suggested that China's envoy to the Vatican may take a different title.
The form may be different, so let's not get hung up on one thing
He also noted that The Vatican's recognition of the Council of bishops of China, which is controlled by the Communist Party of China, is also on the agenda, but "work is still ongoing.
Recall
Pope Francis warned that the consequences of the climate crisis "are already obvious and seriously affect an increasing part of the world's population."