Pontiff says he sees uniting underground and state-supported churches as important task
Pope Francis sent a letter to the Chinese faithful Wednesday urging them to overcome past divisions and “initiate an unprecedented process that we hope will help to heal the wounds of the past.”
For decades, Catholics in China have been split into two groups, an underground organization that recognizes the pope’s authority over naming bishops, and a state-supported “Patriotic Catholic Association” that names its own bishops.
Less than a week ago, the Vatican issued a four-paragraph statement announcing the signing of a “provisional agreement” with Chinese authorities to address a seven-decade dispute over the appointment of Catholic bishops. The pope spoke about that agreement at his Wednesday general audience at the Vatican.
“The Agreement,” the pope explained, “is the fruit of a long and thoughtful path of dialogue, aimed at fostering a more positive collaboration between the Holy See and the Chinese authorities for the good of the Catholic community in China and for harmony in the entire society.
