Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, arrives for Pope Francis' mid-morning prayer with contemplative nuns at the Shrine of Our Lord of the Miracles in Lima, Peru, Jan. 21, 2018. (CNS/Paul Haring)
by Catholic News Service
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The Vatican's top diplomat told Chinese state-run media that Vatican-Beijing talks are focused on achieving concrete results for China's Catholics while avoiding differences between the two "systems."
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One of the Global Times questions was aimed at critics of the agreement.
"There is some opposition to the Vatican's dialogue with the Chinese government. What is your take on the opposition and what would you say to the opponents within the church?" the Global Times asked.
"Many questions still need to be addressed, and we are facing them with willingness and determination. I am well aware that no one has it completely worked out ... but I can also say that we are committed to finding enduring solutions, which are acceptable to, and respectful of, all concerned," the cardinal said.
"Obviously, criticisms which come from prejudiced positions and which seem to seek to preserve old geopolitical balances are another matter," he added.
During the interview, the cardinal said the Vatican can cooperate with the Chinese government on issues of global importance such as peace initiatives and environmental emergencies.
Pope Francis, he added, sees "China not only as a great country but also as a great culture, rich in history and wisdom."
The interview disappointed some Catholics in mainland China, who said Parolin was praising the Chinese Communist Party via one of the regime's own propaganda outlets.
