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.

The Vatican is greeting the visit to Italy of Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week with a new round of overtures and says the "door is always open" to dialogue.

A controversial China-funded dam project in Myanmar must be stopped, said Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon, noting that the affected river is the country's most sacred symbol.