ROME (AP) — The Vatican made another big overture to China on Tuesday, reaffirming the Catholic Church poses no threat to Beijing’s sovereignty and admitting that Western missionaries had made “errors” in past centuries in their zeal to convert the Chinese faithful. The Vatican hosted the head of China’s bishops conference for an unprecedented, high-level commemoration of a landmark 1924 meeting in Shanghai that affirmed the need for foreign missionaries in China to give way to local church leaders. The presence of Shanghai Bishop Joseph Shen Bin alongside the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, at the Pontifical Urbaniana University was in itself noteworthy. It marked the first time in memory that a mainland bishop has been allowed by Beijing to participate in a public Vatican event as the keynote speaker. It was also significant given the controversy over Shen’s 2023 appointment. Pope Francis in July was forced to recognize China’s unilateral appointment of Shen as bishop of Shanghai. The appointment seemingly violated the Holy See’s 2018 accord with Beijing over bishop appointments. |
Massachusetts police bust burglary ring that stole $4 million in jewels over six yearsThe Canucks are starting a 3rd different goalie, Arturs Silovs, in Game 4 of series with PredatorsCeltics coach Joe Mazzulla says playoff basketball doesn't change much from regular seasonMassachusetts police bust burglary ring that stole $4 million in jewels over six yearsChina's gigantic telescope detects over 900 new pulsarsPope visits Venice to speak to the artists and inmates behind the Biennale's mustGausman pitches 7 innings for first win as Blue Jays cool off Dodgers with 3Thunder's Mark Daigneault is NBA Coach of the YearRepublicans seeking Georgia congressional seat debate limits on abortion and immigrationBayern and Dortmund seek Champions League glory to kick off big summer of soccer for Germany