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Chinese bishop denies secret appointment rumor

The Roman Catholic bishop of a central Chinese city has denied speculation that he was secretly named a cardinal by Pope John Paul II, a Hong Kong newspaper reported Sunday.

The late pope held back one of his choices for cardinal in 2003, a common practice for countries where the church is oppressed. Some believe a Chinese was appointed. China doesn't recognize the Vatican and only allows worship in government-sanctioned churches.

Recent speculation has pointed to the bishop of Xian, Li Duan. But the 78-year-old Li has reportedly denied he was named cardinal. "I have never received anything formal from the Vatican about this issue," Li was quoted as saying in the Ming Pao Daily News.

Li's comments came amid hopes for a warming in relations between Beijing and the Holy See.

Vatican foreign minister Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo recently said the obstacles preventing ties can be overcome. China and the Vatican are believed to have agreed on the same priest for the post of auxiliary bishop in Shanghai.
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