Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's reacted in a press conference on June 21 to Pope Francis’ interview with Reuters in which he expressed optimism for improving the ties between the Vatican and China by stressing that China and the Vatican have been in effective contacts.
He added that China is always sincere about improving its ties with the Vatican and that it has been making unremitting efforts to that end.
He continued, “We stand ready to work with the Vatican to ensure that our bilateral constructive dialogues and the improvement of bilateral ties could continue to achieve new progress.” He also stressed that “China and the Vatican have been in effective contacts.”
In a recent interview with Reuters, Pope Francis had voiced optimism for improved ties between the Vatican and China, rejecting criticism that the Holy See may be selling out Catholics to Beijing’s communist government.
“We are at a good point,” the Pope told Reuters in an interview at his Vatican residence.
He said the road to reconciliation with China was divided into three paths — the official dialogue, unofficial contacts among ordinary citizens “which we do not want to burn,” and cultural dialogue.
“I think the Chinese people merit the Nobel Prize for patience. They know how to wait. Time is theirs and they have centuries of culture… They are a wise people, very wise. I have great respect for China,” he said.
