Hong Kong Cardinal Joseph Zen on Tuesday warned that a pending deal between the Catholic Church and Beijing could be a “disaster” for religious freedom in China.
The outspoken 86-year-old former bishop has been one of the loudest opponents of a proposed rapprochement between the Vatican and China, which broke off diplomatic relations in 1951.
“From what I could know or guess, it will be a disaster,” Zen told dpa.
While still in the works, the deal would see the Vatican recognize seven bishops already appointed by the Communist Party without approval of the Pope – and considered renegade bishops outside of China – paving the way for improved relations with Beijing.
In exchange, Pope Francis would have say over the appointment of future bishops in China, according to the Holy Spirit Study Centre in Hong Kong, although final details have not been made…
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