Holy See’s disapproval of bishop’s ordination in China

(November 19, 2010) The Holy See has taken a strong exception to an illicit bishop’s ordination in mainland China at which bishops loyal to the Pope are being forced to attend. Asked Thursday what the Holy See’s position is regarding the reported ordination in Chengde, northeastern Hebei, scheduled around Saturday, Nov. 20, Holy See spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi said, “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.” Asked if the candidate had been approved by the Pope, Fr. Lombardi said, “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. “He added that the Holy See that wishes to “develop positive relations with China, has contacted the Chinese authorities on this whole matter and has made its own position clear.” Hong Kong Cardinal Joseph Zen also sharply rebuked China on Friday calling the ‘illegitimate ordination’ as “really shameful.” Communist China forced its Roman Catholics to cut ties with the Vatican in 1951, and worship is allowed only in state-backed churches, although millions of Chinese belong to unofficial congregations loyal to the Vatican.