China touts praise from Vatican - will the government embrace the Church?

Relations between China and the Vatican have been strained.

Chinese state media has declared that Pope Francis loves China, and wishes for China to do well. Historically, the two powers have suffered from strained relations.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) -- Chinese state media has quoted a Vatican official as praising China and wishing the country to do well.

Monsignor Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo, the head of the Vatican's Pontifical Academy of Sciences, said: "Pope Francis loves China and loves the people of China, its history and population. We hope China can have a great future." His kind comment was published in the state-run Global Times newspaper.

Pope Francis is working to improve relations with China, which is a communist country that discourages religious participation. Religion is legal in China, but it is monitored. China does not allow complete freedom of religion or expression, particularly when such expression is contrary to the intentions of the state.

To maintain control over religion, the Chinese government monitors churches. The government of China monitors Catholic churches and appoints official bishops to preside over each diocese. This has created conflict with the Vatican which insists that the pope alone has the authority to appoint bishops. In addition to the state-sanctioned Chinese Catholic Church, there is an underground segment of the Church which follows bishops that are not appointed by the government. Catholics who participate in this Church are subject to persecution.

In order for the Church to operate without persecution, the Vatican must acquiesce to the demands of the Chinese government. This may mean capitulation on the right of the pope to appoint bishops. Or some other significant concession will have to be ceded to the Chinese government to assure their control.

Unfortunately, the political complications hinder the Church and its development in China. Pope Francis is keen to normalize the relationship between the Church and China so people can focus on doing that which matters most, serve Christ.