Vatican Boosts Relations With China, Will Establish Office In Beijing

JAKARTA - The Vatican plans to establish a permanent office in China as an effort to improve diplomatic relations.

The relationship between the Vatican and China which adheres to communist ideology has historically not been too warm. However, efforts to normalize relations have emerged since the important pact of Pope Francis in 2018 regarding the appointment of bishops.

"We have long hoped to be able to meet stably in China," said Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, quoted by Reuters, Wednesday, May 22.

Parolin, who is the deputy Pope Francis, added that the Vatican is considering a new diplomatic formula for this.

The Vatican obtained permission last year to establish a Permanent Spouse Representative in Vietnam. Vietnam is known to be run by communists and has no diplomatic ties to the Vatican.

Parolin then suggested that the Vatican envoy to China might take a different title.

"The form may be different, don't just focus on one direction," he said.

Parolin said the Vatican's recognition of China's Council of Bishops, which is controlled by the Chinese Communist Party, was also on the agenda being discussed by the Vatican.