Pope calls for freedom for Catholics in China

(ANSA) - ROME, MAY 24 - Pope Francis on Wednesday called for China's Catholics to have the freedom to practice their faith during his General Audience in St. Peter's Square.
    Recalling that 24 May is the World Day of Prayer for the Church in China, he called on Christians to "raise their prayers to God, so that the Good News of Christ crucified and risen may be proclaimed in its fullness, beauty and freedom, bearing fruit for the good of the Catholic Church and all of Chinese society.
    "I wish to assure my thoughts and closeness to our brothers and sisters in China, and share in their joys and hopes," the Argentine pontiff said.
    "I offer a special thought to all those who suffer - pastors and the faithful - so that in the communion and solidarity of the universal Church they may experience consolation and encouragement." Beijing and the Vatican do not have diplomatic relations but they reached a controversial secret agreement in 2018 on the appointment of bishops in China.
    The pact has since been renewed twice for two-year periods, although the Vatican has accused the Chinese authorities of breaching it, mostly recently by appointing a new bishop to Shanghai earlier this year. (ANSA).