Print

Mail

wiki links

Taiwan's Catholics `understand' their sacrifice, says Hong Kong's cardinal

"I know some people in Taiwan are disappointed with this but we know that some Taiwanese Catholics understand this matter and have accepted this."

Joseph Zen, Hong Kong cardinal

Hong Kong Cardinal Joseph Zen (陳日君) yesterday said Pope Benedict XVI had made the reinstatement of ties with China one of his priorities and that Taiwanese worshippers "understand" that the pontiff's links with them may have to be sacrificed.

"[The Vatican] is forced to make the decision," Zen said. "I know some people in Taiwan are disappointed with this but we know that some Taiwanese Catholics understand this matter and have accepted this."

However, Zen said ties would not be switched without assurances that China would respect religious freedoms for its believers.

"Of course, most people know that in this deal the Vatican must first guarantee real religious freedoms before it makes this painful decision," Zen said. "They will explain to Taiwan that there was no other way to go about it and hope Taiwan will understand this."

Zen reaffirmed his belief that the pope wished to visit China and said that the time was ripe for the re-establishment of diplomatic ties.

"The opportunity for success is greater now," the newly elevated cardinal said in Hong Kong a day after returning from Rome.

Low-level contact between China and the Vatican has increased since the death last year of Pope Benedict XVI's predecessor, John Paul II, he added.

However, Zen said China needed to change its mindset toward the Vatican before the Holy See would switch diplomatic recognition.

"I fear the Chinese side has some misconceptions about the Church," the 74-year-old cardinal said. "It is prejudiced and thinks we are outdated; that we are the same as we were a hundred years ago."

It was not only the pope's "desires that will fulfill his wish," the cardinal said. "It's down to China too."
This story has been viewed 2332 times.