[ad_1]
Pope Francis on Wednesday sent a letter to the Chinese faithful urging them to overcome past divisions and "launch an unprecedented process that we hope will help heal the wounds of the past".
For decades, Catholics in China have been divided into two groups, a clandestine organization that recognizes the pope's authority over the appointment of bishops and a "patriotic Catholic association" backed by the state that appoints its own bishops.
Less than a week ago, the Vatican issued a four-paragraph statement announcing the signing of an "interim agreement" with the Chinese authorities to settle a seven-decade dispute over the appointment of Catholic bishops. The pope spoke of this agreement during his general audience Wednesday at the Vatican.
"The Agreement," the pope explained, "is the result of a long and thoughtful dialogue to foster more positive collaboration between the Holy See and the Chinese authorities for the benefit of the Catholic community in China. the whole society. "
Francis also published a letter asking Chinese Catholics to work on reconciliation.
"With that," said the pope, "I hope that in China a new phase can be opened, which helps to heal the wounds of the past, restore and maintain the full communion of all Catholics. Chinese."
The pope also urged Chinese leaders to move forward with "trust, courage and foresight" to continue the dialogue begun when the Vatican and Beijing signed the agreement on the appointment of bishops.
According to the agreement, new bishops in China will be proposed first by members of local Chinese communities and authorities. On Tuesday, on his return flight from Estonia, Francis said the pope will keep the last word on the appointment of a bishop.
Pope Francis said that it was a dialogue about possible candidates, but Rome will make the appointments. "It's the pope who will name them, let it be clear."
Francis also recognized the legitimacy of seven bishops appointed by the Chinese government without papal approval.
China and the Vatican still have no diplomatic relations, which were broken seven decades ago.
