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                               VIS-Press releases

FR. LOMBARDI REPLIES TO QUESTION ABOUT CHINESE ORDINATION

VATICAN CITY, 18 NOV 2010 (VIS) - Given below is the English-language text of a
question put to Holy See Press Office Director Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J.
concerning an episcopal ordination in the People's Republic of China, and his
reply.

"Question: What is the position of the Holy See regarding the news according to
which some bishops in mainland China are forced to participate in a bishop
ordination in Chengde, Hebei? Is the candidate approved by the Pope?

"Answer: The Holy See is disturbed by reports from mainland China alleging that
a number of bishops in communion with the Pope are being forced by government
officials to attend an illicit episcopal ordination in Chengde, northeastern
Hebei, said to be scheduled around 20 November.

"If these reports are true, then the Holy See would consider such actions as
grave violations of freedom of religion and freedom of conscience.

"It would also consider such an ordination as illicit and damaging to the
constructive relations that have been developing in recent times between the
People's Republic of China and the Holy See.

"Moreover, the Holy See confirms that Fr. Joseph Guo Jincai has not received
the approval of the Holy Father to be ordained as a bishop of the Catholic
Church. The Holy See, keen to develop positive relations with China, has
contacted the Chinese authorities on this whole matter and has made its own
position clear".
OP/VIS 20101118 (250)

SUMMARY

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