China's silence over Pope Francis' death as 70-year feud with Vatican exposed
tributes flowed in from around the globe
, yet China's response was notably absent amidst its longstanding
feud with the Vatican.
Pope Francis, 88,
died at his Vatican residence in Casa Santa Marta
on Monday, succumbing to a "stroke and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse," according to the official Vatican medical report.
Unlike previous leaders of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis actively sought engagement with Beijing to improve the Vatican's ties with the Chinese Communist Party, aiming to heal a rift that has lasted over seventy years between an officially recognized Chinese Catholic church and an underground congregation faithful to Rome.
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On Tuesday, spokesperson Guo Jiakun of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed the media: "In recent years, China and the Vatican have maintained constructive contact and engaged in beneficial exchanges. The Chinese side is willing to work together with the Vatican to promote the continued improvement of China-Vatican relations."
China broke its silence on the pontiff's passing almost a day later, and only when probed by journalists.
Since 1951, when the communist government cut off connections and expelled the Vatican's ambassador, the Vatican City has been without diplomatic relations with China.
Furthermore, Vatican City remains the sole European nation recognizing Taiwan's independence, while Beijing considers Taiwan a part of its territory—an issue that has fueled heightened tension between the Vatican and Beijing for years.
Catholicism stands as one of the five officially sanctioned religions in China, where the Communist Party exerts stringent control over religious practices to prevent any potential challenge to state power.
The Chinese government permits worship within state-sanctioned churches, leading to a divide among the country's nearly 10 million Catholics who oppose the state's interference in the selection of Catholic bishops for Chinese congregations.
In a landmark move in 2018, under Pope Francis's leadership, the Vatican reached an agreement with China, allowing the Holy See to recognize the bishops appointed by Beijing. This provisional accord was extended in October 2024.
Although specifics were kept confidential, the pact stirred anxiety among followers of China's clandestine churches, which pledge allegiance to Rome despite fear of oppression. The pope's decision shocked many, particularly amidst President Xi Jinping's intensified clampdown on religious liberties.
Dismissing these concerns, the Vatican announced its plans to establish a permanent presence in Beijing. On Tuesday, Guo confirmed that the "implementation of the provisional agreement on bishop appointments is proceeding smoothly."
Pope Francis has also shown a unique eagerness to visit China, setting him apart from his predecessors, who had never set foot in the country. He is recognized as the first pontiff granted permission to travel over Chinese airspace.
Back in 2014, during his flight to South Korea, Pope Francis sent a message to President Xi Jinping as he entered Chinese airspace: "Upon entering Chinese airspace, I extend my best wishes to Your Excellency and your fellow citizens, and I invoke divine blessings of peace and wellbeing upon the nation."
While visiting Mongolia in 2023, Pope Francis addressed Chinese Catholics at the conclusion of his Sunday mass, "To the Chinese Catholics, I ask you to be good Christians and good citizens."
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