Vatican defends Pope Benedict XVI's bishop accord with China after US backlash

Despite protests from US, Vatican stated that it is fully committed to pursuing continued dialogue with China in regards to bishop minations. In 2018, Vatican had entered into a historic deal with Beijing wherein Chinese government would have some control over bishop minations in country. While accord was signed by Pope Francis in 2018, draft of accord was approved by Pope Benedict XVI.

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Vatican stands firm against critics

As per reports, during a speech marking 150-anniversary arrival of Catholic missionaries in China, Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, gave a comprehensive and tough reply to critics that have questioned its dealings with Beijing. Vatican has stated that accord it has with Chinese government is an absolute necessity for continued survival of Catholic Church in China.

According to reports, Parolin has stated that as far back as during time of Pius XII (1939-1958), Popes had attempted to open dialogue with China and discuss topic of foreign missionaries. A draft of accord that was agreed upon by Vatican and China in 2018 was first approved by Pope Francis’ predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI.

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fact that accord was originally approved by Pope Benedict XVI is extremely significant because many in Church have used  Vatican's deal with China to undermine Pope Francis, but fact that deal was approved by his predecessor as well silences critics.  

topic of mination of Pope has always been a thorn in Vatican-China relations. Holy See considers it pope’s divine right to name successors of apostles in China, while Beijing considers it an infringement by a foreign nation on its sovereignty.

As per reports, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during his visit to Rome on Wednesday reiterated US objection to Vatican’s accord with China and stated that Vatican must hold China accountable for its human rights abuses against religious and ethnic mirities.

(With ANI inputs, Im ANI)

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