One of the Chinese “underground” bishops, who was asked by a Vatican delegation to stand aside for a government-backed prelate, has been detained by police.
Asia News, the outlet of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions, reports that Bishop Vincent Guo Xijin of Mindong was taken, along with the diocesan chancellor, after refusing to concelebrate Mass with the government-backed bishop.
Bishop Guo, who is recognised by the Vatican but not by the Chinese government, had recently been asked to make way for excommunicated bishop Vincent Zhan Silu. A Vatican delegation asked Bishop Guo to accept the position of auxiliary bishop under Bishop Zhan as part of a rumoured deal between the Holy See and Beijing.
However, the Office for Religious Affairs reportedly summoned Bishop Guo to a meeting on Monday afternoon, after which he returned to his residence and packed luggage. He was then taken away at 10pm.
The bishop was held in police custody for 20 days during the Easter season last year. But this time Bishop Guo was released in time to return to his church for Easter Sunday.
He denied that he had actually been kidnapped, but confirmed he had been taken to a nearby city by Communist Party officials for three days.
“You can’t imagine a bishop leaving his church during Holy Week except under special circumstances,” Bishop Guo said. “I can’t say I was forced, but under certain circumstances there is no other option.”
Chinese Catholics are currently split between those in the “underground” Church who remain loyal to Rome, and those in the Catholic Patriotic Association, which is backed by the government.
The CPA has ordained several bishops without Vatican approval, causing them to be automatically excommunicated. A rumoured deal between Beijing and the Holy See would address the appointment of bishops, a lead to excommunicated bishops being reconciled with the Pope.
“According to the government we are illegal, so during this sensitive time they request us to be a bit more restrained,” Bishop Guo said. “There is contact between the government and Rome. We just need to wait. If the church and the government can reach agreement, then we will follow it,” he added.
It is not yet known if Bishop Zhan’s excommunication has been lifted.
China lobbies Holy See to stop recognising Taiwan
Taiwanese politicians are increasingly concerned that the Holy See could cut diplomatic ties with the state if a China-Vatican deal on appointing bishops goes ahead.
China views Taiwan as a rebel province rather than an independent state. If a country opens diplomatic relations with China, it normally has to break them off with Taiwan.
Debate around the Rome-Beijing talks has focused on a potential deal whereby the Chinese government would have a key role in selecting bishops. But the move would also have broader diplomatic implications.
The Vatican has recognised Taiwan since 1942. It is currently the only European state to have full diplomatic relations, and the most high-profile of 20 worldwide. The Catholic Herald understands that Chinese officials are lobbying the Vatican to change this.
One source quoted a senior member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference: “Once this bishops compromise is out the way, probably after Easter, the recognition won’t be far behind… Once Taiwan lose the Holy See then the only people left recognising them will be pointless islands no one has ever heard of.”
Spanish military mark Holy Week
The Spanish flag flew at half-mast on all military buildings, including the Ministry of Defence in Madrid, to commemorate the death of Christ.
In a statement, the ministry asked all units, bases and barracks to lower the flag from 2pm on Maundy Thursday to 12.01am on Easter Sunday “as is traditional”.
The ministry explained that the practice dates back several decades and “forms part of the secular tradition of the armed forces”.
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