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.
