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Vatican Pope Apologizes for Canonization in Hope of Normalized Relations with China
The Vatican Pope John Paul II announced a statement October 24 to ask China to forgive the "mistakes" made by Roman Catholic Church and expressed the hope to normalize relations with China, according to Hong Kong-based Wen Wai Po.
In his statement Paul II says he feels regretful for the mistakes which make many people to think Roman Catholic Church doesn't respect the Chinese people and holds a hostile policy to the Chinese nation. The statement, as reported, was read out at a gathering to commemorate Italian missionary Matteo Ricci held in Beijing.
In disregard of China's strong opposition, the Vatican got ahead with a canonization ceremony on October 1, 2000, China's National Day, for foreign missionaries and their henchmen in China, who committed notorious crimes in China. The action aroused strong indignation and protest from the Chinese Foreign Ministry as it deeply hurts the feeling of the Chinese people and dignity of the Chinese nation.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao pointed out in late September that the Vatican should make more efforts in establishing and developing official ties with China. First, the Vatican must recognize "One China" principle, that is, the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government to represent China as a whole, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. Second, the Vatican can not interfere in the internal affairs of China, including interference through religious activities.
By PD Online Staff Li Heng
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