China Wants to Name the Next Pope



The Vatican's relationship with the government of China must be a fascinating thing to see from the inside. There is speculation the Vatican Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, is among the top candidates to follow Francis as Pope. He is the architect of a flexible policy toward the Chinese government. The Chinese government names some of the Cardinals in that country and is holding several Catholic clergy in detention for criticizing China. This is a far cry from the concept of Peter standing on the rock with Jesus and being handed the keys to the denomination forever more. Apparently, there was a dictator of China on the same rock getting the same instructions from Jesus. 

A press release from China tells the Cardinals in Rome the appointment of Parolin would be good for Chinese/ Vatican relations. We know the Chinese want to not only name the Pope but follow up with what the next Pope does. 

If the politics now going on at the Conclave are like politics everywhere else, attendees from around the world will want to elect someone who will give them more money. I can envision several saying to representatives of various candidates, "I'll vote for your guy if you promise me more money is coming my way."

The first link above explains the many ways the Chinese government has moved on the Catholic Church in China. Sermons cannot criticize the party or leader in power. The government has a strong hand in selecting church leaders. Probably this in true for all Christian denominations now marketing in China.

For some years there has been criticism by conservative Catholics about the Francis/Parolin handling of China. The theme of the criticism is Francis/Parolin should refuse the Chinese government's management of the faith.

I'm sure Parolin's view is it's better to have a watered-down Catholic operation in China than no operation at all.

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