Chinese bishop denies Pope claims - report

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 today.

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 bishop was appointed. China does not recognise 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.

Li expressed hope that the two sides will establish a diplomatic relationship soon, saying that the lack of ties made preaching a difficult task in China, Ming Pao reported.

He reportedly said bishops not recognised by the Vatican do not have authority with the faithful while those not recognised by the Chinese government cannot preach at all.

The Vatican has endorsed some clerics appointed by China’s official church.

About four million Chinese worship at official churches, while foreign experts say up to 12 million more do so at an underground church. Priests and bishops of the underground church are routinely arrested and harassed.

Li was the target of political persecution and spent 20 years in prison, according to Ming Pao.

A major stumbling block standing in the way of Sino-Vatican relations is the Holy See’s authority to appoint bishops. Beijing sees it as interference in domestic affairs.