Vatican Delegation 'to Visit China This Month': State Media
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published September 19, 2018 | 12:21 AM
The Vatican could send a delegation to China by the end of the month, Beijing's state-run media said Tuesday, with the visit potentially paving the way for a historic agreement on the appointment of bishops.
Hong Kong, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Sep, 2018 ) :The Vatican could send a delegation to China by the end of the month, Beijing's state-run media said Tuesday, with the visit potentially paving the way for a historic agreement on the appointment of bishops.
Beijing and the Vatican severed ties in 1951, two years after the Communist party seized power in China.
The decades-long standoff has split China's roughly 12 million Catholics between those who follow government-approved prelates and those in "underground" pro-Rome churches.
Negotiations have been underway for several years between the two sides on the thorny question of the appointment of bishops, some of whom have been appointed by the Chinese authorities without being recognised by Rome.
But the Global Times tabloid reported there are no longer "disputes over issues of principle" between Beijing and the Holy See.
The Vatican delegation will visit in late September, it added, citing an unidentified source.
"If the meeting goes well, an agreement could be signed", the newspaper said. The deal under discussion could see Pope Francis recognising the bishops appointed by Beijing without his approval.
However, the current talks will not address establishing diplomatic relations between the two sides, the Global Times said.
Previous attempts to restore ties have floundered over Beijing's insistence that the Vatican must give up recognition of Taiwan and promise not to interfere in religious issues in China.
The Vatican is one of only 17 countries around the world that recognises Taipei instead of Beijing, but Pope Francis has sought to improve ties with China since he took office in 2013.
Recent Stories
PTI to stage nationwide protests against alleged electoral frauds
Senate continues discussion on Presidential address to Joint Sitting of Parliame ..
Masood Khan calls for Pak-US cooperation for regional peace
Interior Minister starts Margalla Trail Patrol for security
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 26 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 26 April 2024
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable ..
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
More Stories From World
-
Vietnam National Assembly head resigns amid graft purge
9 minutes ago -
Team from Gaza mediator Egypt heads to Israel: source
29 minutes ago -
Xi tells Blinken US, China should be 'partners, not rivals'
29 minutes ago -
Ukraine agriculture minister freed on bail in corruption case
49 minutes ago -
Vietnam National Assembly head resigns amid graft purge
49 minutes ago -
Calls for mosque demolition weigh on India's Muslim voters
59 minutes ago
-
Chinese shares close higher Friday
59 minutes ago -
China's EV execs bullish on Western pressure at Beijing car show
1 hour ago -
EU toughens rules on fashion retailer Shein
1 hour ago -
Xi meets U.S. secretary of state in Beijing
1 hour ago -
Ukrainian minister detained over suspected corruption: prosecutors
1 hour ago -
Golf: PGA Zurich Classic of New Orleans scores
1 hour ago