Mike Pompeo appeals to Pope Francis to stand against China's human rights violation

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has appealed to Vatican on Wednesday to call out human rights violation and abuse of religious freedom in China's Xinjiang province on millions of Uighur Muslims. Pompeo opined that catholic church should be at forefront of battle against human rights violations in China.

Pompeo made this appeal at a symposium on religious freedom organised by US Embassy to Holy See. But it also comes at a time when  Vatican is entering into delicate negotiations with China on extending its controversial agreement over bishop minations.

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Pompeo appeals to Pope to call out abuse of religious freedom

Pompeo asserted that religious freedom is under assault most in China as he called for "every faith leader" to find cour to confront religious persecution. His reference to every faith leader was pointed at Pope Francis, appealing to him to side with US in condemning human rights violations in China. Earlier Pompeo had also called out Si-Vatican 2018 deal on appointment of bishops which is due for renewal. However, Pope had been working to mend its relations with China hence Vatican has t appreciated Pompeo's open interference in matter. 

“We must support those demanding freedom in our time," Pompeo said.

“To be a church 'permanently in a state of mission' has many meanings," Pompeo said, quoting Francis

“Surely one of m is to be a church permanently in defence of basic human rights," he added.

Pompeo had earlier written an article for conservative magazine First Things suggesting that Vatican had compromised its moral authority by signing 2018 accord with Beijing. Vatican has t received article on a good te.

Pompeo is scheduled to meet  Vatican's Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin on Thursday.

Cardinal Oscar Maradiaga important personnel from authority in Vatican has reportedly said that US interference is politically motivated and linked to upcoming US election. 

However, anti-Francis brigade led by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viga, Vatican's former envoy to US, and Steve Bann, Trump's former advisor is close to US President Donald Trump. Francis' leaning towards China has seemingly angered anti-Francis brigade.

(With AP inputs)

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