The deal may protect Chinese Catholics—but it also might muffle Pope Francis’ voice on human rights.
China
Posted inFaith, News
Vatican allegedly hacked by China ahead of key talks
The attacks came ahead of talks on renewal of a landmark 2018 deal that helped thaw diplomatic relations.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Vatican Dispatch
Head of Asian bishops: Pray for Hong Kong amid China crackdown
Cardinal Charles Maung Bo has appealed to Christians and all people of faith “to pray for Hong Kong” following the imposition by China of a new national security law.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Cardinal Zen says he’s prepared for arrest under Hong Kong security law
“If right and proper words were considered against their law, I will endure all the suing, trials and arrests. Numerous predecessors have endured similarly,” the 88-year-old cardinal said.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Chinese bishop, 83, becomes third installed in state ceremony
Bishop Peter Lin Jiashan was officially installed as head of the Fuzhou Diocese in Fujian province. Since 1997, Bishop Lin had refused to register with the government, and thus had not been recognized by Chinese authorities.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Hong Kong Catholic official says Masses will mark Tiananmen anniversary
Despite the pandemic and the mainland Chinese government’s disapproval, Catholics in Hong Kong will commemorate the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre with special Masses.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Bishop urges U.K. to act to protect Hong Kong democracy agreement
Bishop Declan Lang of Clifton, England, is urging the British government to protest the Chinese government’s violations of the 1997 Sino-British Joint Declaration meant to protect democratic freedoms in Hong Kong.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis announces year of reflection on “Laudato Si’” and prays for Catholics in China
Francis called for reflection on the encyclical in which he “sought to draw attention to the cry of the earth and of the poor.”
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
With world attention on Covid-19, China clamps down on Hong Kong
The mass protests that had roiled Hong Kong since June 2019, now largely subsided because of the Covid-19 pandemic, are likely to return, many warn, because of recent gestures by Beijing to tighten control over the former British colony.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Short Take
Pope Francis and the U.S. bishops are correct: We cannot engage in a new nuclear arms race
The Trump administration is moving toward a new nuclear arms race with Russia, warns David Cortright of the University of Notre Dame, but there is still a chance to turn back.