Pope reaches out to China’s Catholics

ROME – In a historic overture to China and its estimated 12 million Roman Catholics, Pope Benedict XVI on Saturday urged the Communist-sanctioned church and its underground counterpart to unite while also suggesting the Vatican was prepared to end a half-century diplomatic rift with Beijing.

The pope was firm in denouncing restrictions placed on Catholics in China and reasserted his authority by insisting that bishops, priests and worshippers be loyal to Rome. But he also laid out areas of potential compromise with Chinese authorities.

His instructions and commentary were contained in a 55-page letter to the Chinese faithful published Saturday in five languages, including modern and traditional Mandarin.

The Catholic Church in China has been divided since 1951, when the Communist government required local Catholics to sever ties with Rome.

Ever since, an officially sanctioned church has existed that respects the pope as a spiritual leader but does not recognize his authority to appoint bishops. A government agency has assumed that duty. Meanwhile, a clandestine church loyal to Rome has continued to function in the shadows.

Benedict wants to reconcile the two groups. He acknowledged in the letter that pro-Rome Catholics have been persecuted, but said it is important now to promote a “spirit of communion, understanding and forgiveness” that will help all China’s Catholics “grow in unity.”

“It cannot be denied that grave limitations remain that touch the heart of the faith and that, to a certain degree, suffocate pastoral activity,” the pope wrote. The church has witnessed an unacceptable “demeaning” of its hierarchical power through China’s system of oversight.

“A church that is ‘independent’ of the Holy See, in the religious sphere, is incompatible with Catholic doctrine,” he said.

Nevertheless, Benedict said, the Vatican is now willing to open a “constructive dialogue” with Chinese authorities to find ways to bridge their differences.

Specifically, he said, priests and bishops approved by the state should seek consecration from Rome. But Rome-backed clerics also could seek state approval as long as it did not interfere with their core ecclesiastical mission.