The Chinese government has expressed willingness to improve its relations with the Vatican and asked for more dialogue, especially on the issue of bishop ordination in China.
The Global Times reported that the government has urged the Vatican to observe and accept the historical practice and reality of being a Catholic in the country following the suggestion of the Vatican for a joint review regarding bishop ordination.
"China is always sincere in improving ties with the Vatican and has been making continuing efforts to this end. We are willing to have constructive dialogue with the Vatican. . . . We hope the Vatican can create favorable conditions for the improving of relations," Hong Lei, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told the Global Times.
In a recent interview with Phoenix TV, Vatican spokesperson Father Federico Lombardi said that the Vatican is willing to gain more consent on bishop ordination, and hope that China would consider the communication approach similar to what Vietnam and the Vatican do, referring to a joint review on bishop ordination.
In Vietnam, bishop candidates are initially reported to the Vatican, which consecrates the bishop based on confirmation of the Vietnamese government.
Lombardi admitted during the interview that the issue on bishop ordination continues to be an obstacle in improving the relations between the two sides. China has showed intention to an open dialogue with the Vatican to thresh out issues.
China broke off diplomatic ties with the Vatican in 1951. The controversy on bishop ordination continues to be a contested issue as China asserts its authority in appointing bishops, while the Vatican insists that only the Pope has the sole authority to appoint bishops.