Pope tells China’s faithful to ‘offer criticism’

POPE FRANCIS has urged Chinese Catholics to be good citizens, but also to “offer a word of criticism” to create a more just society after China agreed to give the Vatican a say in the appointment of bishops.

China’s 12 million Catholics have been split between the underground church swearing loyalty to the Vatican and the state-sponsored “patriotic association”. In an eight-page message yesterday, the pontiff spoke of confusion among members of the underground church who felt abandoned by the Holy See and he urged them to reconcile with the state association.

“On the civil and political level, Chinese Catholics must be good citizens, loving their homeland and serving their country,” the Pope said.

“At times this may also require of them the effort to offer a word of criticism, not out of sterile opposition, but for the sake of building a society that is more just, humane and respectful of the dignity of each person.”

In recent years, the Communist government has intensified its crackdown on religion. Under Chinese law, religious followers are only allowed to worship in congregations registered with the authorities, but millions belong to the underground churches and have been persecuted for their faith.