Thirty years since the Tiananmen Square protests, China's economy has catapulted up the world rankings, yet political repression is harsher than ever.

The best way to approach things is to find allies in the Islamic world who share a vision of tolerance and openness and who recognize the concept of the Abrahamic religions as having a common core of beliefs.

Accepting an invitation from the Chinese government, the Holy See is one of a number of nations and organizations participating in an international garden expo in Beijing.

The former bishop of Mindong, China, Bishop Guo Xijin, is doubtful that he will be allowed to concelebrate Holy Thursday Mass because of his unclear status with Chinese authorities.

"History was not built in one day; history is a long process. And I think we have to put ourselves in this perspective."

Untold hours of dialogue, by both the underground and the registered church have left the church in a better position to navigate the challenges to come.