ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE — Pope Francis acknowledged Tuesday that his landmark deal with China over bishop nominations will cause suffering among the underground faithful. The deal aims to end decades of tensions over bishop nominations that had contributed to dividing the Chinese church and hampered efforts at improving bilateral relations. Their cause has long been championed by Hong Kong Cardinal Joseph Zen, who has called Francis’ deal a sell-out of the church to China’s Communist rulers. Francis said the deal calls for a process of dialogue over possible bishop candidates, but that ultimately the pope decides. Both an underground bishop and a bishop of the Patriotic Church signed the same letter.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer September 25, 2018 21:22 UTC